Following the release of Rafael Nadal’s documentary on Netflix last month, it’s hard not to think back and reminisce about one of the greatest rivalries in sports history, which is the Spaniard’s rivalry with Novak Djokovic. They’ve played a total of 60 matches, including 29 finals, with a head-to-head of 31 to 29 wins in favour of Novak Djokovic. They’ve disputed all four Grand Slam finals against each other, as Nadal leads the head-to-head 11-7 in major tournaments. Today we’ll be looking at the greatest five matches these two have ever played against each other.
Embed from Getty Images5. 2021 Roland Garros semi-final: Djokovic def. Nadal 3-6, 6-3 7-6(4), 6-2
After Nadal cruised past Djokovic in straight sets in the 2020 Roland Garros final, claiming his 20th major, they met a year later in the semifinals. What was looking like a routine win for Nadal as he took the first set 6-3, quickly turned into an all-out war, as Novak Djokovic started to fight back. The Serb took the second set and forced a tie-break in the third. He then came up clutch in the most crucial moment of the match and claimed the tiebreak 7-4. Nadal’s level then dropped in the fourth set due to his chronic foot injury and Djokovic went through to the final.
Embed from Getty Images4. 2018 Wimbledon semi-final: Djokovic def. Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(9), 3-6, 10-8
The 2018 Wimbledon semifinal between Djokovic and Nadal was spread out over two days. The match started on Friday as they won two sets each, before Djokovic won the third in a spectacular tie-break 11-9. They then returned on Saturday to play the fourth set and to destroy Novak’s plans, Rafa forced a fifth set. Nadal went on to miss five break points in the deciding set and Djokovic prevailed, winning 10-8 to reach another Wimbledon final.
Embed from Getty Images3. 2009 Madrid Open semi-final: Nadal def. Djokovic 3-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(9)
Nadal and Djokovic’s 2009 Madrid Open semi-final is still to this day the longest best of three-sets Masters 1000 match of all time, having lasted four hours and three minutes. Nadal ultimately came out on top 11-9 in one of the most brutal tiebreaks ever. His exceptional shot-making and perseverance helped him make the final on home soil.
Embed from Getty Images2. 2013 Roland Garros semi-final: Nadal def. Djokovic 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7(3), 9-7
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic met once again at Roland Garros in 2013 without knowing that they would produce an all-time classic. They split the first two sets and after Nadal comfortably took the third 6-1, Djokovic bounced back by winning the fourth set in a tiebreak. The fifth set was highlighted by an infamous error from Djokovic, which ultimately shifted the momentum in Nadal’s favour. While on serve, up 4-3 and the game tied at 40-40, Djokovic touched the net before the ball had bounced twice on his winner. The point was awarded to Nadal, who instantly broke Djokovic’s serve on the next point. A very cruel moment for Djokovic, who would have to wait another two years before he beat Nadal at Roland Garros for the first time. Nadal went on to win his 8th Roland Garros title against fellow compatriot David Ferrer.
Embed from Getty Images1. 2012 Australian Open final: Djokovic def. Nadal 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5
The 2012 Australian Open final was the longest ever Grand Slam final and the greatest match of the Nadal-Djokovic rivalry. Djokovic was the favourite going into the match, but it quickly became evident that it was going to be a battle for the ages. Nadal won the first, Djokovic won the second and third sets, and Nadal forced a fifth set after a clutch performance in the fourth set tiebreak. Just like in their 2013 Roland Garros clash, the fifth set was accentuated by an error. Nadal missed a passing shot while he was up 4-2, 30-15. Nadal himself has stated that it’s still painful to rewatch that shot. Djokovic broke Nadal’s serve in that exact game and went on to win the title after five hours and 53 minutes of tennis.
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