Can Djokovic Stop Nadal At The French Open 2023?

It seems like only yesterday that Rafael Nadal extended his French Open winning record to an incredible 14, but Roland-Garros is once again preparing to welcome the best that Tennis has to offer for the 2023 renewal. 

The Grand Slam tournament has been dominated by Nadal in recent years, but with injury problems having plagued the Spanish legend over the past twelve months, there are plenty of questions about the clay court specialist’s chances of adding yet another French Open title to his collection. 

So, if Nadal is not up to the task at Roland-Garros in 2023, the question is can his old foe, Novak Djokovic, pick up the pieces and record his third French Open win? 

French Open Foes

Djokovic and Nadal have fought out some fierce battles at Roland-Garros through the years, but the veteran Serb has had to play second fiddle to the Spaniard in the main. If you are a fan that likes to bet on sports, you will know that Djokovic is always popular in the betting markets, and that is the case again in 2023, as the current world number two has a price of 13/8, whilst Nadal is currently a 5/2 shot. 

Djokovic is not as adept on the clay surface as he is on the grass or hard courts, but he should never be underestimated in any tournament that he lines up in. With the now-retired Roger Federer also having struggled slightly on the clay compared to other surfaces, it has been mainly Nadal and Djokovic that have battled for titles. 

The pair have met in four French Open finals in the past 10 years, and Djokovic has failed to see off the challenge of his Spanish rival on each occasion. The first meeting between the two in a final came in 2012, where, unfortunately for Djokovic, Nadal was in his prime and recorded a three-set to-one victory. 

Two years later it was the exact same story for Djokovic, but despite losing to Stan Wawrinka the following year, the Serb finally landed his first French Open title in 2016 when he beat Andy Murray. 

Nadal would dominate the next four years at Roland-Garros, winning all four titles, culminating in another final victory over Djokovic in 2020. Djokovic won his second title 12 months later, but Nadal would take back his title again last year. 

Can Nadal Make It 15 French Open Wins?

At the age of 36, Rafael Nadal’s career is approaching its final stages, and the chances of him being able to stave off the challenge of Djokovic and some other much younger rivals are becoming more and more difficult. Injuries have dogged the Spaniard of late, but Nadal has always found a way to fight his way back on every occasion. 

You write Nadal off at your peril, particularly when it comes to the French Open at his beloved Roland-Garros. Can Djokovic finally see off his old foe in 2023, or will there be a new challenger ready to make a name for themselves if the two legends of tennis fail to fire?