Novak Djokovic, surprising reaction about a possible absence of Rafael Nadal from Roland Garros

Novak Djokovic will return to the tennis court in Rome, where the Serb will meet the Argentine Tomas Etcheverry (61 ATP) in the second round of the Masters at the Foro Italico. The Serbian was also asked about the big goal of the clay season (Roland Garros), but also about a possible absence of Rafael Nadal, his great rival, from Paris.

Djokovic says a Nadal absence from Roland Garros doesn’t matter that much to him

Nole has forfeited Madrid, with the ATP leader citing an elbow problem. However, the Serbian is present in Rome, the last check before Roland Garros, the big bet of the “Djoker” for the clay season.

Djokovic was also asked about Rafael Nadal, his great rival, the Iberian absent from the ATP circuit since the Australian Open.

With no tournament played on clay in 2023, Nadal has not yet confirmed whether or not he will be present in Paris.

A possible absence of Rafa from Paris would not change the Serbian’s plans to participate in Roland Garros.

“Regarding Nadal, his absence at Roland Garros will not change my preparation at all. And I do everything to play at my best level.

But obviously his absence from Roland Garros would be a loss for tennis and for the history of this tournament, for what he has achieved in his career and for the impact he has on the sport. But I am convinced that he will do everything to be there” – Novak Djokovic.

We remind you that Rafael Nadal has won 14 titles at Roland Garros throughout his career, the last of which was won at last year’s edition.

For his part, Nole has triumphed twice on the Parisian clay: in the 2016 and 2021 editions.

The tournament at Roland Garros will take place between May 28 and June 11.

Nole, training with Jannik Sinner in Rome