After his triumph in the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic won his 22 Grand Slam title, levelling with Rafael Nadal. The two long-time rivals will lock horns once again during the forthcoming French Open as it will be a fight between the experienced duo to move a step ahead of the other.

Prior to the French Open, Djokovic hailed young sensation Carlos Alcaraz -- who is one spot below the Serbian in the ATP rankings (i.e. at No. 2 spot) -- but says he doesn't consider him as a rival. The world number one stated that Nadal will 'remain the biggest rival I ever had in my career'.

"Alcaraz is playing at a great level. I cannot call him my main rival. My main rival is still Nadal, you know, even though Alcaraz is obviously number 2 [in the world rankings]. He was number 1, he has won a Slam,” said Djokovic.

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He further asserted, "Nadal has been the biggest rival, and he probably will remain the biggest rival I ever had in my career."

'Alcaraz&nbsp;is arguably the next biggest thing in our sport'

Djokovic went on to laud the the 19-year-old Alcaraz. The Spaniard has made heads turn in his short career so far, winning the US Open 2022 along with reaching the quarters in French Open and fourth-round in Wimbledon last year. Hence, the Serbian said,&nbsp;"It's amazing that he is able to find the top level right away. That is actually a characteristic of a mature player. He doesn't have so much experience, but he is showing maturity very early on, and with the way he handles himself on and off the court."

Nonetheless, the No. 1 ranked player still believes someone like Alcaraz&nbsp;cannot be termed as his rival as he is doing great things but since the last year and a half only. "He is a great guy and has a very good team of people around him. He deserves all his success and he is, I think, bringing some new, fresh energy into tennis, you know. He is a very dynamic player and personality and is very liked all around the world. So he deserves everything. He is arguably the next biggest thing in our sport or he is already there. I just feel the rivalry with Nadal is something that is difficult to eliminate just because someone is doing great things in the last year and a half, you know,”&nbsp;Djokovic concluded.

After his triumph in the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic won his 22 Grand Slam title, levelling with Rafael Nadal. The two long-time rivals will lock horns once again during the forthcoming French Open as it will be a fight between the experienced duo to move a step ahead of the other.

After his triumph in the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic won his 22 Grand Slam title, levelling with Rafael Nadal. The two long-time rivals will lock horns once again during the forthcoming French Open as it will be a fight between the experienced duo to move a step ahead of the other. Prior to the French Open, Djokovic hailed young sensation Carlos Alcaraz -- who is one spot below the Serbian in the ATP rankings (i.e. at No. 2 spot) -- but says he doesn't consider him as a rival. The world number one stated that Nadal will 'remain the biggest rival I ever had in my career'. "Alcaraz is playing at a great level. I cannot call him my main rival. My main rival is still Nadal, you know, even though Alcaraz is obviously number 2 [in the world rankings]. He was number 1, he has won a Slam,” said Djokovic. Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo to sell his Manchester luxury mansion, demands a WHOPPING amount He further asserted, "Nadal has been the biggest rival, and he probably will remain the biggest rival I ever had in my career." 'Alcaraz is arguably the next biggest thing in our sport' Djokovic went on to laud the the 19-year-old Alcaraz. The Spaniard has made heads turn in his short career so far, winning the US Open 2022 along with reaching the quarters in French Open and fourth-round in Wimbledon last year. Hence, the Serbian said, "It's amazing that he is able to find the top level right away. That is actually a characteristic of a mature player. He doesn't have so much experience, but he is showing maturity very early on, and with the way he handles himself on and off the court." Nonetheless, the No. 1 ranked player still believes someone like Alcaraz cannot be termed as his rival as he is doing great things but since the last year and a half only. "He is a great guy and has a very good team of people around him. He deserves all his success and he is, I think, bringing some new, fresh energy into tennis, you know. He is a very dynamic player and personality and is very liked all around the world. So he deserves everything. He is arguably the next biggest thing in our sport or he is already there. I just feel the rivalry with Nadal is something that is difficult to eliminate just because someone is doing great things in the last year and a half, you know,” Djokovic concluded.

Rafael Nadal will remain the biggest rival I ever had in my career, says Novak Djokovic

World number one Novak Djokovic said he was proud of the fight he put up in another vintage contest against his great rival Rafa Nadal in the French Open quarter-final, admitting on Tuesday that he lost to a better player. 
Djokovic, the 35-year-old winner of 20 Grand Slam titles, conceded an early break to Nadal in each of the first three sets and had two set points in the fourth. But the Spaniard clinched the four-hour, 12-minute contest in the tiebreaker.

"I gave my best," Djokovic told reporters after his 6-2 4-6 6-2 7-6(4) defeat. "I know I could have played better. I`m proud of fighting and staying till the last shot.

"I lost to a better player today. Had my chances. Didn`t use them. That`s it. You know, over four hours` battle, and I have to accept this defeat."

Djokovic defeated Nadal, who has won 13 of his men`s record 21 Grand Slam titles on the Parisian clay, in last year`s semi-finals at Roland Garros before lifting the Musketeers` Cup for a second time in his career.

Nadal arrived in Paris this year after two injuries that had hampered his preparations and came into Tuesday`s contest following a tough five-set win in his last match. But he still found the stamina to beat Djokovic in their 59th career meeting.

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In contrast, Djokovic picked up an ATP 1000 title in Rome before arriving at Roland Garros and had not lost a set in his previous rounds at the clay-court Grand Slam.

The Serb congratulated Nadal for the victory and said he was not surprised by his opponent`s physical fitness during the long battle under the lights of Court Philippe Chatrier.

"He was a better player I think in important moments," Djokovic said. "Started very well. I didn`t start so great ... I was gaining momentum as I was coming back in the second set, managed to win the second set, and I thought, `Okay, I`m back in the game.

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"But then he had another two, three fantastic games at the beginning of the third. He was just able to take his tennis to another level in those, particularly moments at the beginning of all sets, actually, except the fourth.

"I had my chances. Just one or two shots. Could have taken me into a fifth. Then it`s really anybody`s match. But again, he showed why he`s a great champion. Staying there mentally tough and finishing the match the way he did. Congrats to him and his team. No doubt he deserved it."

World number one Novak Djokovic said he was proud of the fight he put up in another vintage contest against his great rival Rafa Nadal in the French Open quarter-final, admitting on Tuesday that he lost to a better player.

World number one Novak Djokovic said he was proud of the fight he put up in another vintage contest against his great rival Rafa Nadal in the French Open quarter-final, admitting on Tuesday that he lost to a better player. Djokovic, the 35-year-old winner of 20 Grand Slam titles, conceded an early break to Nadal in each of the first three sets and had two set points in the fourth. But the Spaniard clinched the four-hour, 12-minute contest in the tiebreaker. "I gave my best," Djokovic told reporters after his 6-2 4-6 6-2 7-6(4) defeat. "I know I could have played better. I`m proud of fighting and staying till the last shot. "I lost to a better player today. Had my chances. Didn`t use them. That`s it. You know, over four hours` battle, and I have to accept this defeat." Djokovic defeated Nadal, who has won 13 of his men`s record 21 Grand Slam titles on the Parisian clay, in last year`s semi-finals at Roland Garros before lifting the Musketeers` Cup for a second time in his career. Nadal arrived in Paris this year after two injuries that had hampered his preparations and came into Tuesday`s contest following a tough five-set win in his last match. But he still found the stamina to beat Djokovic in their 59th career meeting. Also Read: 'What a battle': Rod Laver, Del Potro and others react as Nadal beats Djokovic at French Open 2022 In contrast, Djokovic picked up an ATP 1000 title in Rome before arriving at Roland Garros and had not lost a set in his previous rounds at the clay-court Grand Slam. The Serb congratulated Nadal for the victory and said he was not surprised by his opponent`s physical fitness during the long battle under the lights of Court Philippe Chatrier. "He was a better player I think in important moments," Djokovic said. "Started very well. I didn`t start so great ... I was gaining momentum as I was coming back in the second set, managed to win the second set, and I thought, `Okay, I`m back in the game. Also Read: French Open - Rafael Nadal beats Novak Djokovic, reaches semi-finals "But then he had another two, three fantastic games at the beginning of the third. He was just able to take his tennis to another level in those, particularly moments at the beginning of all sets, actually, except the fourth. "I had my chances. Just one or two shots. Could have taken me into a fifth. Then it`s really anybody`s match. But again, he showed why he`s a great champion. Staying there mentally tough and finishing the match the way he did. Congrats to him and his team. No doubt he deserved it."

Had my chances but lost to a better player, says Novak Djokovic after going down against Rafael Nadal

Tuesday`s highly-anticipated French Open quarter-final between world number one Novak Djokovic and 13-time champion Rafa Nadal has been scheduled to be played during the controversial night session despite the Spaniard expressing reservations against it. The night session, for which Amazon Prime has exclusive broadcasting rights in France, starts at 9 p.m. local time and was introduced for the first time at the 2021 edition of the claycourt major.

"I don`t like night sessions on clay. I am very clear with that," Nadal, who enjoys a near mythical status at Roland Garros, where he has a statue erected in his honour, told reporters last week. "I don`t like to play on clay during the night because humidity is higher, the ball is slower and there can be very heavy conditions especially when it`s cold. "I think that makes a big difference on the way you play tennis on clay during the night and during the day."

Teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev have both said they would not want their quarter-final, also on Tuesday, to be scheduled during the night session. The match between the Spaniard and the German third seed was put as the third one on Court Philippe Chatrier.

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The Djokovic-Nadal rivalry is such a hot bill that usual rules tend not to apply when the two heavyweights face each other at the French Open. Last year, the COVID-19 curfew was pushed back to allow fans to stay longer at Roland Garros when Djokovic knocked Nadal out in the semi-finals and this year, the match will be broadcast for free on Prime Video, organisers said.

Asked about his choice during a TV interview Djokovic said with a smile: "I can only say that Rafa and I would make different applications." "As top players, we do have requests, but those requests are not always accepted," he told reporters. "The tournament director, along with TV, broadcasters, I think in the end of the day that`s who decides... TV, whether they want your match, day or night.

"You just have to adjust to that. Obviously, depending on who you play, sometimes it`s favourable to play night; sometimes day. There is no standard or no formula that works always."

Tuesday`s highly-anticipated French Open quarter-final between world number one Novak Djokovic and 13-time champion Rafa Nadal has been scheduled to be played during the controversial night session despite the Spaniard expressing reservations against it.

Tuesday`s highly-anticipated French Open quarter-final between world number one Novak Djokovic and 13-time champion Rafa Nadal has been scheduled to be played during the controversial night session despite the Spaniard expressing reservations against it. The night session, for which Amazon Prime has exclusive broadcasting rights in France, starts at 9 p.m. local time and was introduced for the first time at the 2021 edition of the claycourt major. "I don`t like night sessions on clay. I am very clear with that," Nadal, who enjoys a near mythical status at Roland Garros, where he has a statue erected in his honour, told reporters last week. "I don`t like to play on clay during the night because humidity is higher, the ball is slower and there can be very heavy conditions especially when it`s cold. "I think that makes a big difference on the way you play tennis on clay during the night and during the day." Teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev have both said they would not want their quarter-final, also on Tuesday, to be scheduled during the night session. The match between the Spaniard and the German third seed was put as the third one on Court Philippe Chatrier. ALSO READ | French Open 2022: Rafael Nadal beats Felix Auger-Aliassime in thriller to set up Novak Djokovic date The Djokovic-Nadal rivalry is such a hot bill that usual rules tend not to apply when the two heavyweights face each other at the French Open. Last year, the COVID-19 curfew was pushed back to allow fans to stay longer at Roland Garros when Djokovic knocked Nadal out in the semi-finals and this year, the match will be broadcast for free on Prime Video, organisers said. Asked about his choice during a TV interview Djokovic said with a smile: "I can only say that Rafa and I would make different applications." "As top players, we do have requests, but those requests are not always accepted," he told reporters. "The tournament director, along with TV, broadcasters, I think in the end of the day that`s who decides... TV, whether they want your match, day or night. "You just have to adjust to that. Obviously, depending on who you play, sometimes it`s favourable to play night; sometimes day. There is no standard or no formula that works always."

French Open 2022: Novak Djokovic v Rafael Nadal put on night session despite Spaniard's reluctance

World number one Novak Djokovic on Saturday battled past Italian Lorenzo Sonego to set up a clash with nine-time winner Rafael Nadal for the sixth time in the Italian Open final.

Defending champion Djokovic won through 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2 in 2hr 44min against the 33rd-ranked Italian after second seed Nadal earlier swept past American Reilly Opelka 6-4, 6-4.

Djokovic had earlier survived a three-set battle with Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas in their rain-delayed quarter-finals.

The five-time Rome winner had been trailing 6-4, 2-1 when the tie was halted overnight.

But he came back to win through 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 after 3hr 16min.

Djokovic and Nadal, who will be facing each other for the 57th time, last played in the 2020 French Open final which the Spaniard won.

The pair have won 14 of the last 16 Rome titles between them while Nadal leads their head-to-head in finals in the Italian capital 3-2.

Djokovic had two match points in the 12th game of the second set of his semi-final before Sonego forced a third set to the delight of the home crowd in the Foro Italico.

The Serb saved three break points in the first game of the third set, coming back from 0-40 before powering towards his 11th Rome final

"I think I bounced back very well after the second set and 0-40, maybe if he started with a break up in the third it would be different," said Djokovic.

"I've only myself to blame for not closing the match in the second set, I could have and should have.

"First of all I need to recover. I don't have much time but hopefully I'll have fresh legs necessary to have against Rafa."

Djokovic and Nadal have won 14 of the last 16 Rome titles between them with Djokovic leading their overall head-to-head 29-27.

Nadal is looking to equal Djokovic's record of 36 ATP Masters 1000 titles in his 12th Rome final.&nbsp;

World number one Novak Djokovic on Saturday battled past Italian Lorenzo Sonego to set up a clash with nine-time winner Rafael Nadal for the sixth time in the Italian Open final.

World number one Novak Djokovic on Saturday battled past Italian Lorenzo Sonego to set up a clash with nine-time winner Rafael Nadal for the sixth time in the Italian Open final. Defending champion Djokovic won through 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2 in 2hr 44min against the 33rd-ranked Italian after second seed Nadal earlier swept past American Reilly Opelka 6-4, 6-4. Djokovic had earlier survived a three-set battle with Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas in their rain-delayed quarter-finals. The five-time Rome winner had been trailing 6-4, 2-1 when the tie was halted overnight. But he came back to win through 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 after 3hr 16min. Djokovic and Nadal, who will be facing each other for the 57th time, last played in the 2020 French Open final which the Spaniard won. The pair have won 14 of the last 16 Rome titles between them while Nadal leads their head-to-head in finals in the Italian capital 3-2. Djokovic had two match points in the 12th game of the second set of his semi-final before Sonego forced a third set to the delight of the home crowd in the Foro Italico. The Serb saved three break points in the first game of the third set, coming back from 0-40 before powering towards his 11th Rome final "I think I bounced back very well after the second set and 0-40, maybe if he started with a break up in the third it would be different," said Djokovic. "I've only myself to blame for not closing the match in the second set, I could have and should have. "First of all I need to recover. I don't have much time but hopefully I'll have fresh legs necessary to have against Rafa." Djokovic and Nadal have won 14 of the last 16 Rome titles between them with Djokovic leading their overall head-to-head 29-27. Nadal is looking to equal Djokovic's record of 36 ATP Masters 1000 titles in his 12th Rome final.

Djokovic and Nadal set-up sixth Italian Open final duel and 57th career clash