Djoker, Nadal brace for epic duel

Jun 07, 2013 |

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal meet for the 35th time on Friday with a French Open final place at stake as well as their reputations as the two heavyweights of the sport.

World no. 1 Djokovic needs a Roland Garros title to become just the eighth man to capture a career Grand Slam.
Nadal, meanwhile, is just two matches away from becoming the first man in history to win the same major on eight occasions. It’s the match-up that most neutrals would have hoped to have graced Sunday’s final, but Nadal’s seven-month absence from the sport contributed to his number three seeding here.
The 27-year-old Spaniard enjoys a 19-15 winning record over his Serb rival and, possibly crucially, a 12-3 edge on clay. Said Nadal: “My only ambition is feel myself competitive another time, feel myself happy to play tennis another time, and try to play with no limitations. So that was my only ambition four months
Djokovic believes his game, as well as that crucial psychological triumph in Monte Carlo, could be key on Friday.
“I played him in Monte Carlo, on clay. I played a fantastic match, and I know what it takes to win against him. That’s what I’m going for.”

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