The “pupil turns into the grasp” expression is apt when discussing the long-lasting rivalry between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
The Spaniard acquired the higher of the Serb in 15 of their first 18 matches, ranging from their first-ever encounter within the quarterfinal of the 2005 French Open till the semifinal of the 2009 Madrid Masters. Djokovic’s solely three wins, predictably so, all got here on laborious courts, however none have been at majors as Nadal continued to dominate Djokovic on the grandest stage. Living proof: the 2010 U.S. Open closing, the place Nadal beat him in 4 units, furthering his psychological edge over his foe.
By the flip of the last decade, although, a change appeared to go off in Djokovic. He was now not throwing rackets out of rage, the best way he did in his youthful years, and he developed the uncanny knack of coming from behind. This composed model of Djokovic would defeat Nadal in seven consecutive matches between the ultimate of the 2011 Indian Wells Masters and the ultimate of the 2012 Australian Open.
Throughout that memorable stretch, they made historical past by changing into the primary pair of males to play in 4 consecutive main finals —the 2011 Wimbledon, 2011 U.S. Open, 2012 Australian Open and 2012 French Open. Whereas Nadal would lastly snap the dropping streak at Roland-Garros, he would endure a number of extra high-profile losses to Djokovic by the 2010s, with the Serb even beating “The King of Clay” at his stomping grounds of Roland-Garros in 2015.
The rivalry ends 31-29 in favor of the Serb, as Nadal recently announced his retirement from the game. However make no mistake, Djokovic would not have become the GOAT with out being baptized by the Nadal hearth. It is the truth he acknowledged whereas paying homage to the departing legend on Thursday.
