Google News 'Rafael Nadal loss makes Novak Djokovic angry,' says former Major finalist
by JOVICA ILIC | VIEW 40971
The 20-time Major champion Novak Djokovic was a player to beat on the most notable tennis scene in the past four years. The Serb claimed three Major titles in 2021 and barely missed a chance to conquer a calendar Grand Slam after losing the US Open final to Daniil Medvedev.
Novak is yet to battle for a Major in 2022, skipping the Australian Open following his visa controversy and losing the Roland Garros quarter-final to his greatest rival, Rafael Nadal. Greg Rusedski believes Novak is angry after failing to win a Major this year, wishing to change that at Wimbledon.
By the will of the draw, Djokovic and Nadal had to play in the quarter-final in Paris, and Rafa scored a 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 victory in four hours and 12 minutes. The Spaniard was a more aggressive player during the night session on Court Philippe-Chatrier, firing almost 60 winners and producing a massive comeback in set number four.
Novak Djokovic is yet to win a Major in 2022.
Novak grabbed four breaks from 12 opportunities, playing well in sets two and four but missing his chances to force a decider. The Spaniard earned seven breaks to control the scoreboard and move into the semi-final.
Rafa made a perfect start and built a 6-2, 3-0 advantage. Novak fired up his forehand in the rest of the second set and took six of the last seven games for 6-4 and a massive boost ahead of set number three. Starting all over, Nadal returned at his best in the third set before Djokovic moved 5-2 in front in the fourth.
The Serb squandered two set points on serve in game nine and allowed the Spaniard to seal the deal in the tie break. Novak is the top favorite at the upcoming Wimbledon, chasing the seventh All England Club title and the fourth in a row.
"There's a big difference between a potential winner and an actual one. Reaching the final is one thing, but you need an insane mindset to go all the way, especially against the leading players in the past 15 years. Djokovic is angry because he has not won a Major this year.
Also, how he went out to Rafa at Roland Garros will hurt him. Rafa is trying to go for the calendar Grand Slam. He would not be showing up if his foot was not at 100%. Berrettini has been the best player of the season on grass, and he must be among the favorites. Those three players are my pick for the title, ahead of Hubert Hurkacz," Greg Rusedski said.
