Let’s face it, Novak Djokovic is the world’s best tennis star. It seems as if the world number one can’t lose, as he already has three titles in 2015. Which begs the question, who will stop Djokovic?
So far, Djokovic has won at the Australian Open, Indian Wells and the Miami Open. With the French Open on the horizon, can the Djoker win a second 2015 major? That all depends on Rafael Nadal.
Currently, Nadal is ranked 5th on the ATP rankings. However, his dominance at the French Open is well noted, as he has taken home seven trophies at Roland Garros. His last trophy came in 2014 when he defeated Djokovic in four sets.
Thus far, Nadal hasn’t had the 2015 success of Djokovic. He wasn’t able to advance to the semi-finals of the Australian Open, losing to Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals.
The Spaniard was able to capture the Buenos Aries title in early March, but again didn’t make it to the semifinals during either Indian Wells or the Miami Open.
With the way Djokovic is playing, Nadal is going to need to muster up all he has to knock off the world’s number one player. The field at Indian Wells and the Miami Open was much stronger than that of the Buenos Aries tournament, one which Djokovic didn’t even compete in.
Although, it hasn’t been a flawless 2015 for Djokovic. He lost at both Doha and Dubai, the latter of which losing to Roger Federer in the championship match.
Nadal on the other hand has lost five matches on the year, three of which were against opponents ranked outside of the top-15. (Djokovic only lost to one opponent ranked that low.)
Once Nadal steps on the clay court he is instantaneously the favorite, no matter whom he is playing. Djokovic has been the best player of the 2015 season, and it’s likely any hope he has of winning the years first two majors will depend on him getting through Nadal.