Novak Djokovic has opened up about what it took to finally conquer Rafael Nadal on clay, calling the challenge “a big mountain to climb.”
In a recent interview with BB Tennis, the world No. 1 looked back on his early struggles against the Spanish legend and remembered just how elusive that first clay-court win over Nadal was.
“I remember my first win against him in Monte Carlo, in the 2013 final,” Djokovic said. “It was one of my best matches on clay, and it came at the right moment. It took me years to figure out the puzzle — the formula to beat Rafa on clay.”
🧩 Cracking the Clay Code
From 2006 to 2010, Djokovic faced Nadal nine times on clay and lost every match. The breakthrough finally came in May 2011, when Djokovic stunned Nadal in the Madrid Masters final 7-5, 6-4. That win marked a turning point in one of tennis’ most iconic rivalries.
Djokovic followed it up with another win over Nadal in Rome 2011, and in 2013, he handed the Spaniard a rare Monte Carlo defeat, ending Rafa’s quest for a ninth straight title in the Principality.
“Not many players have managed to do that — beat Rafa multiple times on clay, especially at big events,” Djokovic continued. “So I’m proud I was able to do that, including at Roland Garros.”
🏆 French Open Milestones & Olympic Redemption
Djokovic’s first French Open victory over Nadal came in 2015, and he added another memorable win in 2021, en route to his second Roland Garros title.
Interestingly, the last time the two clashed was also on clay — during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Djokovic triumphed in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4, in what could end up being one of their final showdowns.
While Nadal remains the undisputed king of clay, Djokovic’s ability to eventually stand toe-to-toe with him — and win — cements his legacy as one of the greatest problem-solvers in tennis history.
