Novak Djokovic bids to end the reign of Rafael Nadal in Monte Carlo – Tennis News
World number one, Novak Djokovic, is pumped up to take on dethrone the legendary reign of the Spanish number one, Rafael Nadal, at the Monte Carlo Open, this week. If he manages to do that, he will be ending the seven year long
unbeaten streak of the left-handed superstar of Spain. The tournament will prove to be a stunning start for the winner just before the start of the year’s second Grand Slam tournament, the Roland Garros French Open.
The second ranked Spaniard is the hot favourite to win the contest on his favourite surface but considering his niggling knee-injuries, it can be a possibility that we might not see the Spaniard in action throughout the tournament.
However, Nadal has confirmed that he has recovered completely from the left knee injury and started training for the tournament.
In an interview, the Serb number one stated, “It feels good to be back, and to be back on clay. I haven't played it since Roland Garros last year. But it's the surface that I grew up on. In Serbia, that's all we had until a few
years ago. And I like to slide as well. I had a great season in 2011 and I hope to continue in 2012. I've been working hard and I'm prepared on clay. This is a surface that requires more physically, you need to be at a high level. Last year, I won Madrid and
Rome and beat Nadal in the finals. That has to give me confidence for the clay season."
One thing is to be noted that as much as Djokovic is eager to win the title in Monte Carlo, Nadal is also looking to end the 10 months long title drought. The last trophy he won was the Roland Garros French Open. It will be an
eye-startling event for all tennis fanatics especially those that love to witness long and lengthy encounters just like the six hour marathon final of the Australian Open, earlier this year.
Djokovic will start his clay court campaign in the second round of the tournament against the winner of the match between the qualifier, Victor Hanescu, and Andreas Seppi. The reigning French Open champion, Rafael Nadal, will kick
off his Monte Carlo campaign against the victorious player of the match between Radek Stepanek and Jarkko Nieminen. It will be enthralling tournament to watch with most of the big guns back in the action.
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