Novak Djokovic: “A Roland Garros without Nadal would not be the same” – Sports Infos – Ski

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Back with a smile

Package in Madrid, Novak Djokovic will return to Rome on Friday against a serious client, the Argentinian Tomas Martin Etcheverry. After attending the Champions League match between AC Milan and Inter Milan on Wednesday, he returned to the Italian capital with a smile.

“I’m very happy to be here and I feel good. I’ve missed tournaments due to a physical issue. There’s always something that could work better, but at this level it’s normal.

Historically Rome has always been an important tournament for me, here I have won many times and made many finals. I hope that this year too it will be a valuable springboard for Roland Garros.” said the Serb at a press conference.

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Carlos Alcaraz the in-form player

“It’s strange that we haven’t met in the same tournament yet but that’s how it is. At the end of this tournament, no matter how it ends, Alcaraz will be number one in the world and he deserves it.

He’s playing at an impressive level and he’s the player to beat on this surface right now. Whether or not Nadal will play in Paris remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that Carlos is among the favourites.

We have faced each other only once in 2022 in Madrid (the Spaniard won 6-7 7-5 7-6, editor’s note)and if we were to end up here it would be in the final it would be good for both of us.”

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Nadal at Roland Garros?

“His presence or not will not influence my preparation. I only think about arriving well prepared.

No doubt for the world of tennis, a Roland Garros without Nadal would not be the same, given the success he achieved in this tournament and the impact of his victories on the history of our sport.

I’m sure everyone wants to see him compete again, and I do too, because when all the strongest are there, the challenge is even more exciting. I know he is training and trying to prepare. I don’t know how he is at the moment, but I’m sure he will do everything possible to be in Paris.”

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A moment of philosophy

“In my life I have been very lucky. Successes are also the result of daily sacrifices, but I’m not going to sit here and tell you how hard my life is, because it’s not.

There are people who go through enormous difficulties compared to mine. I think it’s important to realize that each person has to face their own challenges and obstacles on a daily basis.

Every day we hear about how strong we need to be and always do our best, and anyone who goes through a hardship finds themselves being judged for the feelings they express.

As if you could never show your weaknesses. Instead, crying sometimes and having the chance to let go is liberating.”

“I think a lot of people can relate to me, because I don’t know a perfect person who doesn’t have to face difficulties every day. No matter who we are, what job we do, or what role we play in society, we all have to go through some hardships.

I think sometimes it’s important to start from the ground up and remember why we started doing certain things. In my case, I’m a tennis player because that’s what I dreamed of when I was a kid.

In 99% of cases, a child begins to practice a sport because he likes it and it gives him joy. Remembering this in difficult times helps to overcome them. And it also helps to keep your feet on the ground.” concluded a Djokovic visibly happy to find Rome.