Novak Djokovic will return to the tennis court in Rome, where the Serb will face Argentina’s Tomas Etcheverry (61 ATP) in the second round of the Masters at the Foro Italico. The Serb was also asked about the big goal of the clay season (Roland Garros), as well as the possible absence of Rafael Nadal, his great rival, in Paris.

Djokovic says Nadal’s absence from Roland Garros is not that important to him

Nole lost to Madrid, the ATP leader explained the problem with his elbow. However, the Serb is present in Rome, the last check before Roland Garros, the big bet of the “Joker” for the clay season.

Djokovic was also asked about Rafael Nadal, his big rival, the Iberian, who has been absent from ATP events since the Australian Open.

With no tournament on clay in 2023, Nadal has yet to confirm whether he will be present in Paris.

The possible absence of Rafa in Paris would not change the Serbian’s plans to participate in Roland Garros.

“As for Nadal, his absence at Roland Garros will absolutely not change my preparation. And I do everything to play at my best level.

But it is clear that his absence at Roland Garros would be a loss for tennis and the history of this tournament, for what he has achieved in his career and for the impact he has on the sport. But I am convinced that he will do everything to be there”, – Novak Djokovic.

We will remind, during his career, Rafael Nadal won 14 titles at Roland Garros, the last of which was at last year’s edition.

For his part, Nole triumphed twice on Parisian soil: in 2016 and 2021.

The Roland Garros tournament will be held from May 28 to June 11.

Nole trains with Yannick Sinner in Rome