Agencies
Monte Carlo, April 22
Rafael Nadal insists Novak Djokovic does not pose more of a threat to his reign at the French Open, despite his defeat by the Serb at the Monte Carlo Masters.
Djokovic has produced a dominant start to the year, stringing together a 17-match winning run while taking the season’s first three Masters titles.
A switch to clay failed to disrupt the world No 1’s unstoppable form as he collected the title in the principality after a 6-3 6-3 win over Nadal in the semi-finals.
With the Australian Open trophy already in Djokovic’s grasp, many are tipping him to end Nadal’s stranglehold at Roland Garros.But Nadal, who has won nine of the last 10 tournaments, believes this year’s title defence is no different to 2013, 2012 or even 2011.
“Djokovic was good in 2011, in 2012, 2013 as well as in 2015. Sometimes you win more and some you win less,” he said.
“It is difficult to win everything all the time. Djokovic was as good then in 2011 as he is now. He had an impeccable year in 2011 as well as he is having in 2015. I have to congratulate him.”
Nadal will continue to work towards the Paris event by taking part in this week’s Barcelona Open, live on Sky Sports.
He has been handed a testing draw, with a possible second round clash against Nicolas Almagro, who inflicted a shock defeat at last year’s event, while Fabio Fognini and David Ferrer are also in his side of the draw.
But the 28-year-old, currently ranked at number four, is determined to prove he can thwart Djokovic’s bid for a maiden French Open title.
“The rest of the players have to accept that at the moment he is the world number one with all he has achieved this year,” he said.
“This year I have to do things right, get back to a very high level to face him on the court. Tennis-wise, I feel a lot better than a few weeks ago. I am going to try to get as far as I can, and to play as well as I can, topping the level I showed in Monte Carlo.”
