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During the press conference of Wimbledon 2022, Botic van de Zandschulp had nice words for Rafael Nadal, but he also talks aboun Novak Djokovic. He explained: "I faced Rafa at the Roland Garros and it was a very complicated match.
Playing against Nadal on clay is the most difficult challenge you can face in this sport. We are talking about a player who has won 22 Grand Slams, it is an incredible record. I believe that only Novak Djokovic can match him." The Dutchman then recalled the famous 2008 Wimbledon final: "That match stuck in my mind.
I remember that it ended quite late, also because there were several interruptions due to rain. It seems to me that Nadal had a match point in the fourth set, which was canceled by Roger Federer with an amazing backhand pass.
It was a crazy battle." Federer has played very little in the past two years due to a serious right knee injury. Barring further unforeseen circumstances, the Swiss will make his return to the Laver Cup, scheduled in London at the end of September.
Rafa's season till now
Rafael Nadal has expressed great tennis in this first half of the season. The Spanish champion left everyone speechless by winning the first two Grand Slams of 2022 and winning the first 20 games played this year.
Half a miracle, considering that Rafa had just played seven official tournaments in 2021 due to pain in his foot. The comeback against Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final is destined to remain in the annals, as well as the splendid ride at Roland Garros.
The 36-year-old from Manacor had arrived in Paris with a thousand doubts related to his physical condition, but still managed to lift his 14th trophy in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. The former world number 1 has hoisted himself to 22 Majors, further stretching Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the all-time rankings.
The Majorcan will face Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp for a place in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. The two have already met in the third round of Roland Garros 2022, with Nadal winning in three sets. Rafa has two more Slams than Federer and Djokovic.