Rafael Nadal, not Novak Djokovic, is the man to beat, says Mark Petchey
Clay court season starts on Sky
Monday 13 April 2015 07:44, UK
It will take more than Novak Djokovic's spectacular form to knock Rafael Nadal off his clay court perch, believes Mark Petchey.
The clay season is set to begin next week with the Monte Carlo Masters, live on Sky Sports from Monday, and culminating with the French Open.
The dominant Djokovic has already won the Australian Open, Indian Wells and Miami Open this year and has been backed by Sky Bet to continue in Monte Carlo - but Petchey insists clay court master Nadal remains the one to watch.
Live ATP Masters Tennis
"It's a big call whoever says that Nadal is not the favourite," the Sky Sports expert said.
"I can see why people back Djokovic because of the recent success he's had but I've still got to go with Rafa.
"He has such confidence on this surface because he's got nothing left to prove - winning a tenth Roland Garros title is a lovely achievement, but if he doesn't, it won't diminish the nine he’s already won."
Petchey insists that Djokovic must overcome the mental hurdle of triumphing in Paris for the first time added to the weariness accrued after going the distance in three tournaments in 2015.
He said: "Djokovic needs to win his first French Open to complete a career Grand Slam, which he deserves. But, with that, comes a huge amount of pressure.
"When Federer won his first French Open, he beat Robin Soderling in the final, who also hadn't won there before. Djokovic might not get that luxury.
"There's a lot of intangibles before you can say Djokovic is the favourite to win it. Look at how few players in tennis and golf have done it - this is not easily achievable. We live in an era with Federer, Nadal and Tiger Woods but they are special.
"Djokovic has played an awful lot of tennis recently whereas Federer is fresh. But I'll always like Nadal’s chances in a competition that's had such success in. Even if he's pushed, he can defend well, and he’ll always have good feelings on clay regardless of current form."
Djokovic needs to win his first French Open to complete a career Grand Slam, which he deserves. But, with that, comes a huge amount of pressure.
Phenomenal
Nadal's unparalleled nine French Open titles are testament to his upbringing on clay courts, insists Petchey.
The Spaniard has the greatest understanding of the unique surface, he believes, and has tailored his style to dominate.
Petchey said: "You don’t win on clay just by defending - Nadal wins because his lefty serve gets his forehand into play, and he rarely misses with that.
"He is a phenomenal defender when put under pressure but nobody can do that consistently – you have to be on the front foot on clay which is what Nadal does incredibly well.
"He is able to slide and, as a natural right-hander, it’s impossible to pick a side to put the ball into him.
"The biggest difference is the speed. The length of time you’ve got to construct points is huge compared to the hard courts of Miami. You need a different mind-set to be ready to play two extra shots per rally. That takes some adapting to.
"Nadal is so tough to attack on clay, and that’s the bottom line, because he’s very aggressive."
Tune in for the Monte Carlo Masters on Monday at 9.30am on Sky Sports 1 HD.
