World No. 1 Novak Djokovic said he was glad that he was able to avoid drama versus Diego Schwartzman and noted that he likes his chances versus Rafael Nadal. On Sunday, Djokovic cruised past Schwartzman 6-1 6-3 6-3 to progress into the French Open quarterfinal.
Djokovic has been pretty convincing so far at the French Open as he has reached the last-8 without a dropped set. “[It’s] obviously a well-anticipated match [since] the draw came out,” Djokovic said, per Tennishead.
“I’m glad that I haven’t spent too much time on the court myself up until the quarter-finals. Knowing that playing [Nadal] in Roland Garros is always a physical battle along with everything else that happens.
It’s a huge challenge and probably the biggest one you can have here”.
Djokovic ready for Nadal
Should Djokovic beat Nadal, he could easily meet Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinal. “I like my chances against both of them,” Djokovic said.
Last year, Djokovic defeated Nadal in the French Open semifinal. Nadal will certainly be extremely motivated versus Djokovic as on Sunday he indicated there is no guarantees he will return to the event next year. “The only thing that I can say is that I know how my situation is at this stage of my career,” Nadal said.
“I always have in my mind that every time that I go out here that maybe it is my last match in my tennis career on this amazing court so I just try to fight and enjoy as much as I can.” Nadal is a record 13-time French Open champion, while Djokovic is aiming to win his third title at Roland Garros.
“Tomorrow is another opportunity to play against the No. 1 player in the world in front of an amazing crowd. I am going to have fun and I am going to try and do as much or as good as possible,” Nadal added. It remains to be seen if Djokovic can clinch back-to-back French Open victories versus Nadal.
Source: Tennis World USA