Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have the most decorated rivalry in men’s tennis in the Open Era. Having faced each other for the first tim...
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have the most decorated rivalry in men’s tennis in the Open Era. Having faced each other for the first time in 2006, the two have cemented their legacies as icons and along the way, they have provided some of the most memorable matches in the sport’s history.
Nadal had the upper hand in their rivalry for a long time and led 14-4 in their head-to-head in 2009. But Djokovic’s domination of men’s tennis began soon after and despite trailing 15-22 in his head-to-head with Nadal in 2013, he managed to edge ahead 26-23 by the end of 2016.
They are unquestionably two of the greatest players in history and their clashes over the years have provided tennis of the highest quality, with brutal rallies and thrilling moments.
Now, Nadal and Djokovic are set to face each other for a staggering 58th time in their careers in the French Open semi-finals on Friday.
To mark this clash, here’s looking back at 10 of the greatest matches between them at Grand Slams:
2006 French Open quarter-final
Nadal won 6-4, 6-4, 0-0 (ret.)
This match will remain iconic as it was the first time Nadal and Djokovic faced each other. Nadal was the defending champion at Roland Garros for the first time...
