Novak Djokovic issues French Open fears after ‘watching videos’ of Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic revealed that he had been watching videos of Rafael Nadal training as the Spaniard races to recover in time for the French Open. The world No 14 has been sidelined with a psoas injury and is hoping to be at his most successful tournament later this month. Djokovic also shared his wish to see his long-time rival at the next Grand Slam of the year, admitting the tournament’s history would suffer if Nadal was absent.

Nadal’s French Open hopes have been thrown into doubt as the 36-year-old continues to struggle with an injury he picked up during his second-round loss at the Australian Open. The Spaniard initially hoped to play a full clay swing but has now missed every big tournament so far – Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid and Rome.

A 14-time champion at Roland Garros, Nadal is still trying to recover in time to play in the tournament which starts in 16 days. And his rival Djokovic has also shared the same hopes, admitting that he had been watching videos of Nadal’s training sessions.

It comes as a particularly worrying video of Nadal practising at his academy surfaced on social media, showing the 22-time Grand Slam champion doubled over in pain with his team around him. “I know I’ve been seeing some videos that he’s been training, he’s been trying to get himself ready for it,” Djokovic said of his rival.

Just in
Murray’s unique schedule decision praised as lesson to young stars by Becker[LATEST]

“Yeah, let’s see. I mean, I’m obviously not in his shoes, not in his skin. I don’t know what he’s feeling. I’m sure he’s trying his best to be there. Let’s see what happens.” While the world No 1 wanted to see Nadal competing in Paris, he said his own preparation wouldn’t be affected by the Spaniard’s plans.

“It won’t change anything in relation to my preparation,” Djokovic stated. “Obviously I’m looking to be performing the best that I can perform myself.”

Don’t miss…
Djokovic flags concerns in Rome with new injury update as Serb to be dethroned[UPDATE]
Boris Becker ‘worried’ about Rafael Nadal as fears grow over French Open hopes[EXPERT]
Novak Djokovic drops latest retirement hint with Serb ‘unsure’ before Rome[QUOTES]

But the two-time French Open winner was fearful that the tournament would be affected by Nadal’s potential absence. He added: “But, of course, the world of tennis and the Roland Garros tournament will be affected by his absence from the tournament because his history in that tournament and generally what he has achieved in his career and the impact he has made on the sport.

“Of course, him missing any tournament, but particularly the big ones, has an impact on the tennis world and the tennis fans. So I’m sure that everyone wants to see him there. I would like to see him play because I think for the competition, it is the best if you can have the best players in the world so the challenge is as big as it can be.”

Source: Read Full Article