Rafael Nadal has offered some sympathy for world number one Novak Djokovic after his great rival`s shock default from the U.S. Open for hitting a lineswoman in the throat with a stray ball. Had Djokovic won the title he would have moved to 18 Grand Slam titles, one behind Nadal and two behind Roger Federer in the battle for all-time greatness. But it`s important to have the right self-control on the court, because if not, you can be unlucky." Thiem’s victory ended a run of 13 Grand Slam titles won by either Nadal, Djokovic or Federer and made him the first new major winner since Marin Cilic in 2014. Nadal will open in Rome against Carreno Busta.

Source: dna September 15, 2020 01:57 UTC