‘Things are changing’ – Novak Djokovic says it is ‘nice’ that ‘greatest rival’ Rafael Nadal in draw – Madrid Diary

Djokovic says it’s ‘nice’ to share a draw again with Nadal It’s not easy to surprise Novak Djokovic with a stat or a tennis fact. Ad/> The world No.1 is usually very clued up when it comes to the happenings on tour, whether he’s been on the road or back home, and he stays up-to-date with all the information on up-and-coming players as well as his fellow veterans. ATP MadridMurray sets up Djokovic clash after battling past Shapovalov10 HOURS AGO So, when I mentioned to him that this week in Madrid is the first time since Roland-Garros last year that he and Rafael Nadal are contesting the same tournament, I did not expect Djokovic to not be aware of that fact.

Djokovic said he hadn’t realised that was the case before answering the question of how Nadal’s presence in the same draw actually affects him. “Of course, it affects, because he's my greatest rival of all time,” said the Serb. “You're right.

I mean, I wasn't thinking about this, but we have not been in the same draw for a while. You know, things are changing. “We have young players, and we are both trying to do our best to compete for the top spots of the world.

I think we are still going strong, so it's nice to see that.” Murray sets up Djokovic clash after battling past Shapovalov Djokovic savours 'best match of the year' as win ensures he will stay as No. 1 Sara fulfils promise to Carla “Wow, mucha gente,” Sara Sorribes Tormo said as she walked into a packed press conference room after booking herself a spot in the Madrid Open quarter-finals on Tuesday. The affable Spaniard is making her 10th appearance at the tournament and made it past the second round for the first time this year.