Novak Djokovic hurting from ‘Rafael Nadal tax’ in French Open final vs Stefanos Tsitsipa

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Novak Djokovic appears to be suffering from ‘Rafael Nadal tax’ in the French Open final against Stefanos Tsitsipas, according to Jim Courier. Nadal has reigned supreme at Roland Garros in his career, but Djokovic became the first man in history to beat the Spaniard for a second time on the clay courts of the French Open.

Djokovic vs Tsitsipas LIVE

The two great rivals put on a show on Friday evening as both players gave little away in a memorable match.

Djokovic won the all-important third-set tiebreak to give him a leg up and he took full advantage in the fourth to reach his sixth French Open final.

While Nadal losing at the French Open is a rare occasion, it’s never been a simple route to clinch the title.

Robin Soderling defeat Nadal back in 2009 before losing to Roger Federer in the final.

JUST IN: Novak Djokovic weakness revealed before French Open final

And Djokovic’s win over Nadal back in 2015 was unable to yield the title as he lost to Stan Wawrinka.

Djokovic was the strong favourite heading into this year’s final against Tsitsipas, but the world No 5 raced to a two-set lead.

And Courier believes Djokovic is falling victim to the ‘Rafael Nadal tax’ once again.

“It looks like the Rafael Nadal tax is still very much in tact,” Courier said on ITV.

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“When you beat him here at this tournament – Soderling did it and Novak did – neither could hold on in the final.

“He’s clearly taking a break now to try and find some energy, find some strength both physical and mental to deal with what’s happening on the other side of the net.

“Tsitsipas just isn’t giving him anything. He’s having to fight so hard for these points and that first set I think was a real stinger for him.

“He had the late break of serve and he served for it but he seemed to really struggle looking up into the sun when he was serving for that set.

“In the first six points of the tiebreak he served miserably as well.

“Things not looking good for Novak but never, ever count him out.”

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