Djokovic wishes Nadal healthy return to the court
Nadal is expected to rest until the end of 2023, after having surgery on his hip joint on June 2. The Spaniard celebrated his 37th birthday a day later, at the Teknon hospital in Barcelona - where he remained for post-operative observation.
"I've had three elbow surgeries and I know how difficult it is," Djokovic said of Nadal's surgery at a press conference after the fourth round match at Roland Garros on June 4. "Sometimes it's necessary for a career. Nadal has been through it many times. He must have had no other choice."
Djokovic hopes his rival recovers well and returns to play in an ideal state of fitness soon. "You and I are all looking forward to seeing him again next season," added Djokovic. "I always say he is a great champion who is very important to our games, both on and off the court. We want to see Nadal healthy, playing like he used to."
Djokovic entered the quarterfinals of Roland Garros for the 17th time, surpassing Nadal's record, after defeating Juan Varillas 3-0 on the afternoon of June 4. Nole needed only 117 minutes to beat an opponent far below his level, thereby accumulating fitness for the quarter-final against Karen Khachanov – a familiar victim of his. Djokovic joins the semi-finals with number one Carlos Alcaraz, who will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in another quarter-final.
"Obviously a performance like this gives me more confidence," said Djokovic, pleased with his performance at Roland Garros this year, where he has yet to lose a set. "I'm keeping my spirits up, but of course not looking too far. For now, I'm only focused on the quarter-finals."
The remaining four quarterfinals tickets in the lower bracket will be determined today, when the final fourth round matches close. The two tallest seeds remaining in this branch are Holger Rune and Casper Ruud. The most watched match will take place between the two seeds Grigor Dimitrov and Alexander Zverev. Zverev impressed when he defeated Frances Tiafoe 3-1 in the fourth round, while Dimitrov had not lost a set.
