If for the follower that we are, each defeat of Nadal at Roland looks like a replica of April 21, 2002, the Spaniard seemed to experience the thing much better than the observers, Friday, after his third career loss on the Chatrier in fifteen years, the second against Djoko, the other best player in history on this surface, no doubt.

"What do you want me to tell you?"

After winning 13 times, it hurts less.

I also know that the years go by and the options to win here are not forever.

But I feel good, nor am I a person who makes big celebrations when I win, nor a drama when I lose.

Even though this tournament means everything it means to me, I can't win it 15 or 16 times, I have already won it 13 times already, and next year I will come back to win it if I can.

The game was not a disaster, and it was against one of the best players in history.

Life goes on ".

Paris & Rafa ❤️ # RolandGarros |

@RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/xfxTqRk238

- Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 11, 2021

"Not the best Djokovic I've played here"

A measured reaction that corresponds to the image we have of the Rafa we know, which has never been obsessed with this carrot of the 20 or 21 Grand Slams, depending on the score it would take to have the biggest prize list in history. On the match itself, Nadal delivered a more surprising impression, almost disappointed with his level of play: “My ball didn't hurt as much as I wanted it outside the start of the match. I know I can play better on this court even though I left everything I had. The conditions were a little slower than during the day, although at no time was that an excuse. The ball was less lively, they missed the little more than they usually have ”.

It is true that the Spaniard has already been able to play better at Roland Garros, but from there to pass off his performance of the day for a forgettable draft, he is going a little hard, knowing that on the other side, Djokovic has placed his match in his career top 3.

Response from Rafa?

“Honestly, that's not how I feel.

I don't think I faced the best Djokovic at Roland Garros, and I don't believe he played the best Nadal here either.

But he played better than me and deserves his victory.

Life goes on ".

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  • Novak Djokovic

  • Rafael Nadal

  • Roland Garros

  • Sport

  • Tennis