Novak Djokovic will play French Corentin Moutet in the second round of the Rome Masters.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal (via Imago)

The Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal rivalry has remained at the top of other rivalries in tennis. The duo met the last time at the 2022 French Open, almost two years ago. However, Djokovic is relishing another meeting, at least ‘one last dance’ before the Spanish star hangs his racquet this season.

Nadal and Djokovic are participating at the Rome Masters, the first tournament in over a year the duo will be competing in. The tournament now brings back memories of the duo’s encounters on the court.

They met 59 times, with Nadal claiming 29 wins and Djokovic 30. But on clay, the Spanish star supersedes with 20 wins in 28 encounters, while the Serbian leads on hard court with 20 wins in 27 meetings.

Both are the two top winners in Rome, with Nadal at ten and Djokovic at six. Meanwhile, Nadal is on his final tour of his career and will be playing in his last tournament. Fans will be hoping the duo meets in Rome to bring a special feeling to the sport. Unfortunately, that will be difficult, as they are on the opposite side of the draw and can only meet in the final.

World No. 1 Djokovic is looking forward to their meeting, as he believes it will be a spectacular experience for both the fans and the sport. The 36-year-old added that they both pushed each other to be the best over the years of playing each other.

Well, I saw that we are on the opposite side of the draw so if we do meet here it would be finals which would be spectacular for both of us and the tournament, but still a very long way. But we haven't been part of the same draw for quite a while, I think.

Novak Djokovic said.

 So, that's also something we are used to because for so many years we've been, you know, main rivals and you know always pushing each other to the limit. Yeah, let's see if we get a chance to have one dance anywhere, it would be nice.

Novak further added

Yesterday, Rafael Nadal earned his 70th Rome win beating Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs to reach the second round of the tournament.

Novak Djokovic to begin his Rome campaign against French Corentin Moutet

Novak Djokovic will begin his Rome campaign against Corentin Moutet in the second round after earning a first-round bye. The Serbian is in search of his first title of the season and will be hoping his experience of the tournament helps him win the title.
Novak Djokovic (Image via X)
He will also be aiming to earn his 1100th tour-level win in Rome. With Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner missing the tournament due to injury, the Serbian now has the opportunity to cement his No.1 position in the ATP rankings.

The Serbian has won the tournament six times, most recently in 2022, beating Casper Ruud.