Novak Djokovic had high praise for Rafael Nadal after being defeated by the Spaniard in the final of the 2020 French Open. It marked the legendary duo’s 56th meeting on the ATP Tour.

Djokovic was aiming for his second Roland-Garros title in 2020 and had a strong run, beating Mikael Ymer, Ricardas Berankis, Daniel Elahi Galan, Karen Khachanov, Pablo Carreno Busta, and Stefanos Tsitsipas to reach the championship match. The only thing standing between him and the trophy was three-time defending champion Nadal.

The much-anticipated clash between the duo turned out to be one-sided, with the 22-time Grand Slam champion dominating throughout. He even served the Serb a bagel in the first set before completing his record-extending 13th Claycourt Major title with a score of 6-0, 6-2, 7-5.

During the trophy presentation ceremony, Novak Djokovic lauded Rafael Nadal, acknowledging that the Spaniard had once again demonstrated why he’s called the ‘King of Clay.’ The Serb further said losing was difficult, but he took solace in the fact that he had been beaten by a player who was simply “better.”

“Today you showed why you are the ‘King of Clay,'” Djokovic said. “What you’re doing not just on this court, but throughout your entire career, is unbelievable. You have been a great champion and now you have shown why you are ‘King of Clay’ and I have experienced it in my own skin.”

“It was a very tough match for me today, obviously. I am not so pleased with the way I played, but I was definitely overplayed by a better player today,” he added.

The 24-time Major winner continued:

“Obviously, the situation is very difficult for everyone worldwide, but we have a possibility to play the sport that we love and I am very grateful to everyone who made sure that this tournament is organised to allow us to actually be on the courts. Thank you so much for that.”

Rafael Nadal after defeating Novak Djokovic to win French Open 2020: “A win here means everything”

Rafael Nadal, who had just tied Roger Federer’s record of 20 Grand Slam titles with his 2020 French Open win, said in his victory speech he wasn’t preoccupied with the record. For the Spaniard, securing another Roland-Garros title was what mattered the most.

“A win here means everything for me. Honestly, I don’t think about the 20th and equalling Roger, for me it is just a Roland-Garros victory,” Nadal said.

The 38-year-old added:

“I have spent most of the most important moments in my career here. Just to play here is a true inspiration and the love story I have with this city and this court is unforgettable.”

Nadal has since added two more Majors to his tally, winning the Australian Open and the French Open in 2022.