Djokovic: “The old guys refuse to give up”

Djokovic: “The old guys refuse to give up”

Novak Djokovic, 33, and Rafael Nadal, 34, show good form before the French championships. For the 57th time, they meet in a tennis final – this time in Rome. – We joked that we, the old guys, refuse to give up, says Djokovic.

TT Novak Djokovic meets Rafael Nadal in another final.Picture: Gregorio Borgia/AP/TT Novak Djokovic defeated Italian Lorenzo Sonego in Saturday's Italian semi-final Rafael Nadal in the final. That the two world stars play the final in Rome is not unusual. The duo have won the tournament 14 of the last 16 years, and have met each other in the final five times. – I'm glad we are not afraid of the new generation's attacks, Djokovic jokes after the semi-final victory. Then Rafael Nadal won. – It will be fantastic to play against him in a final again. He is the guy I have met the most times in my career and he is definitely my biggest rival, says Djokovic. The tournament in Rome is one of the last before the French championships which starts on May 30, and for Rafael Nadal the final is a step forward after to have had some heavier tournaments at the end. – This is a new chance to play on the big stage, in a big final. It is important for my self-confidence, he says.