Novak Djokovic has openly discussed the “only reason” he believes he hasn’t won more Roland Garros titles: Rafael Nadal. Nadal, often called the “King of Clay,” has dominated the French Open throughout his career, claiming an astounding 14 titles, which has significantly limited Djokovic’s opportunities to win in Paris.
Djokovic himself has recognized this, stating that Nadal’s incredible prowess on clay, particularly at Roland Garros, has been the biggest obstacle to him adding more titles at the tournament. Although Djokovic is considered one of the greatest players in tennis history, and arguably the best all-round player across all surfaces, the clay courts of Roland Garros have been dominated by Nadal for nearly two decades. Djokovic has managed to win the French Open three times (in 2016 and 2021) but has frequently been stopped by Nadal, including in the 2012, 2014, and 2020 finals.
Djokovic has acknowledged Nadal’s skill on clay courts as unparalleled, and has often said that playing against him at Roland Garros is the toughest challenge in tennis. While Djokovic has triumphed in many epic matches against Nadal on other surfaces, their rivalry at the French Open has been largely one-sided in favor of the Spaniard. This rivalry has shaped much of Djokovic’s career at Roland Garros, and Nadal’s dominance on this particular surface is often regarded as the greatest single-surface dominance in the history of tennis.
Additionally, the physical and mental demands of competing at the French Open, on a surface where rallies are longer and more grueling, have also made it harder for Djokovic to accumulate as many titles in Paris as he has at other Grand Slams.