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The second blog for The Yorker from the University of York Riding Club
Djokovic has yet to reach the final in Paris but after his incredible start to the year, he is one of the favourites for the competition.
He started the year by defeating Andy Murray in the Australian Open final and followed this with victories over Nadal in the Madrid Masters final on May 8th and then in the Rome Masters final only a week later.
This impressive display has led to a 37 unbeaten match streak; only five off McEnroe’s record set in 1984.
Just as impressively, Djokovic had never defeated Nadal on clay in nine previous meetings and to beat him twice in two weeks on that surface indicates great progress in his game that his opponent wasn’t expecting.
Nadal has won the title at Roland Garros five out of the last six years, with Roger Federer claiming it on the other occasion. Now Djokovic has proved himself to be a serious contender and, should he reach the final, looks fully capable of defeating whoever he comes up against.
Djokovic out-rallied and out-ran Nadal in Madrid and Rome, with Nadal looking far from the clay king who was undefeated for two years. Djokovic has improved every part of his game over the last few years and pushed his way up to the top of the rankings.
After struggling throughout his career with mental endurance and concentration, Djokovic said at the start of this year after his victory in Australia that he feels mentally stronger and motivated and it now more prepared for the psychological side of the sport.
This has certainly shown during his most recent appearances as he has fought back against breaks in serve rather than crumbling and blaming injuries, which he has been accused of doing frequently in the past.
So, as the players prepare for Roland Garros, which starts Monday May 23rd, Nadal will be keeping an eye on Djokovic as he has found out in the last fortnight just what he is capable off.
Hahaha, not a dig, but loving the title: "Tennis player on 37 match streak (who has won every tournament he's entered this year) could achieve success at upcoming tournament".
To contribute: apparently Novak puts this down to a change in diet - he found out he had a mild wheat allergy, and cutting it out has clearly worked wonders.
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