Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal: Statistical comparison
Serbian maestro Novak Djokovic has been on a roll in 2021. He recently equaled the all-time record of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal by winning his 20th Grand Slam. Djokovic achieved the feat after clinching his sixth Wimbledon title. His rival Nadal had earlier opted out of the championships. He lost to Djokovic in the 2021 French Open semi-finals. Here is the statistical comparison.
A look Djokovic's record at Grand Slams
Djokovic claimed the first of his 20 majors in 2008 by winning the Australian Open. Over a decade later, he won a record-extending ninth title in Melbourne. Djokovic secured his second French Open title in June, and followed it up with a sixth Wimbledon title. The world number one also owns three US Open titles. He has a win-loss record of 317-45 at majors.
Nadal has a record 13 French Open titles
Spanish ace Nadal is known for his dominance on clay. He has won a record 13 French Open titles, the most in the history. This is seven more than Bjorn Borg (6), who is second on the list. Besides, Nadal also has four US Open, two Wimbledon, and one Australian Open title. He has a win-loss record of 291-41 at Grand Slams.
Here is the head-to-head record
Djokovic enjoys a lead of 30-28 over Nadal in the ATP head-to-head series. He recently beat Nadal in the semi-finals of 2021 Roland Garros. The latter leads 10-7 in Grand Slam matches. Nadal leads 7-2 at the French Open and 2-1 at the US Open. Meanwhile, Djokovic leads 2-0 at the Australian Open and 2-1 at Wimbledon.
Match results across tournaments
Here are the match results across tournaments. Grand Slams: Nadal leads 10-7. ATP World Tour Finals: Djokovic leads 3-2. ATP World Tour Masters 1000: Djokovic leads 16-13. ATP World Tour 500 Series: Djokovic leads 2-0. ATP World Tour 250 Series: 1-1. Davis Cup: Nadal leads 1-0. ATP Cup: Djokovic leads 1-0. Olympic Games: Nadal leads 1-0.
Djokovic and Nadal share a unique record
Between March 2011 and April 2013, Djokovic and Nadal contested as many as 11 consecutive meetings in the finals, the only duo to accomplish this milestone in the Open Era. Notably, the duo has met in the finals of all four Grand Slams (including four consecutive major finals). The tally also includes a record 29 Masters matches.
The only man to defeat Nadal twice at French Open
In June 2021, Djokovic became the only man to defeat Nadal twice at French Open. The world number one overcame Nadal in the semi-finals, denying him a 14th Roland Garros title. Prior to this defeat, Nadal had won 35 consecutive matches in the tournament.
Notable feats of Djokovic and Nadal
Djokovic is the only man (Open Era) to win all Grand Slams twice. He is the first man to register 75 or more wins across all majors. He has spent most weeks (330) at number one. Meanwhile, Nadal owns the joint-most wins at a single slam (105, French Open) along with Federer. He has the longest wining streak on a single surface (Clay: 81)
