Google News Patrick Mouratoglou: Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic GS record battle is now balanced
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 8746
Patrick Mouratoglou said he thought Novak Djokovic was the big favorite to finish with the most Grand Slam before the whole COVID story happened. Last year, Djokovic won three Grand Slam to equal Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer on the all-time Grand Slam record list with 20 Majors.
Just when it seemed Djokovic would take the lead, he was denied participation at the Australian Open and Nadal won a record 21st Grand Slam after beating beating Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final. "If you look at the start of the season and if you look at the global situation, Novak has the lead for me.
He is winning more Grand Slams than anyone every year, so he is the huge favorite to win more Grand Slams than anyone. But because of this COVID story he was not able to play most of the year, so he is lacking a lot of matches.
And on the other hand, Rafa gained so much confidence because, as Novak wasn't playing, he won almost everything. You had Novak with a big advantage and with what happened Rafa now has the edge. But then Rafa gets injured so he is not going to be able to play enough this year and then it comes back to kind of a balance," Mouratoglou said in a clip posted on his Instagram.
Djokovic will be aiming to equal Nadal at the French Open
Djokovic wasn't allowed to compete at the Australian Open but he should have no problems with playing in France. Last month, France lifted its vaccine mandate so Djokovic is free to compete at the Monte Carlo Masters and French Open.
Last year, Djokovic won his second French Open title. En route to winning the French Open, Djokovic defeated Nadal in the semifinal. Djokovic is set to kick off his clay season in Monte Carlo, while Nadal is set to miss the start of the clay season due to a rib stress fracture.