With both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic known for being incredibly difficult to play against, ATP player Martin Klizan has chimed in on what differentiates the two athletes.
Klizan is making a return to the ATP Tour after a three-year retirement. The Slovakian has reached a career-high ranking of World No.24, in addition to capturing six career ATP titles.
Facing each player would require a change in tactics, says Klizan
Nadal and Djokovic are the most successful male tennis players in history in terms of Grand Slam success, winning 22 and 24 Major singles titles respectively. The duo have faced each other on 60 separate occasions, making their rivalry the most played in ATP Tour history.
In an interview with Punto de Break, Klizan elaborated on the differences when playing against both players. The Slovakian pointed out how one must adapt his playing style in order to stand a chance against either of the two tennis legends.
“With Rafa, you know that he is always going to make the match hell for you. Nothing is free,” said Klizan. “With Novak, you know that you have to be very precise in your shots; if you don’t get it, he is going to destroy you. With Rafa you can fight, you can also hit winners.
“With Djokovic, it is difficult to hit winners, but you have to be very precise. You need to use the body serve, mix everything with the slice, the tactics are a bit different.”
“With Djokovic, it is difficult to hit winners, but you have to be very precise. You need to use the body serve, mix everything with the slice, the tactics are a bit different.”
Klizan is one of the few players who have picked up a win over both Djokovic and Nadal, defeating the Serbian in three sets at the Barcelona Open in 2018, while he beat Nadal at the China Open in 2014.
