Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic: Who Is The Better Tennis Player?

Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic: They are two of the greatest tennis players of all time. They have both won multiple Grand Slam tournaments and held the number one ranking. They have also played against each other many times, with Nole holding a slight edge in the head to head. So who is the better player? Check out the Rafael Nadal vs Djokovic stats in this post and find your answer.

Comparison Chart

	Novak Djokovic	Rafael Nadal
Date of birth	22 May 1987	3 June 1986
Place of Birth	Belgrade, Serbia	Manacor, Mallorca, Spain
Country	Serbia	Spain
Height	1.88 m (6ft 2in)	1.85m (6ft 1in)
Weight	176 lbs (80 kg)	188 lbs (85 kg)
Plays	Right-handed (two-handed backswing)	Left-handed (Two-handed backhand)
Career Prize Money	$150 million (as of July 2021)	$125 million (as of July 2021)
Grand Slam titles (singles)	6 – The Australian open in 2008, 2011, 2012, and 2013; Wimbledon in 2011; and the US Open in 2011.	14 – The Australian Open in 2009; French Open in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014; Wimbledon in 2008 and 2010; and the US Open in 2010 and 2013.
Highest ranking (singles)	No. 1	No. 1
Career record (singles)	961–195 (83.13%)	1027–208 (83.16%)
Career titles (singles)	84	88
Career titles (doubles)	1	11
Turned Pro in	2003	2001
Won Wimbledon (singles)	2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019	2008, 2010
Won French Open (singles)	2016, 2021	2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
Won US Open (singles)	2011, 2015, and 2018	2010, 2013, 2017, and 2019
Won Australian Open (singles)	2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021	2009
Olympic Gold Medals (singles)	None	2008
Highest ranking (doubles)	114	26
Career record (doubles)	59–73 (44.7%)	137-74 (64.9%)
Residence	Monte Carlo, Monaco	Manacor, Mallorca, Spain
ATP World Tour Finals	Won in 2008, 2012 and 2013	Never won. Finalist in 2010 when he was beaten by Federer and in 2013 when he was beaten by Djokovic.

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Rafael Nadal vs Djokovic Head to head

The rivalry between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic has been called one of the best in tennis history. In fact, the ATP ranked it the third greatest rivalry of the 2000’s decade. The two have faced each other 59 times, with Rafa winning 28 of those matches and Djokovic claiming four.

So Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal Grand Slams, who has more? Nole is one of the most successful players in the world, winning more Grand Slams than Rafa. Both have won 14 of the last 15 Grand Slam tournaments. Both have reached the US Open semifinals twice and the Wimbledon final three times. In 2011, Djokovic beat Nadal in a four-set match, tying the head-to-head record at 1-1.

Nadal has never beaten Djokovic in a Grand Slam final, but Nole has a history of winning from a set down. The world No. 1 has played more matches against Nadal, and Rafa has lost in his last four.

Rafael Nadal has won three Grand Slams and two Wimbledon titles, while Nole has won four French Open titles. In addition to grand slams, they have also met 58 times. Djokovic has won seven clay matches against Rafa, while Nadal has won five.

In the ATP Tour, Nadal first met Djokovic in 2006. Rafa won the match after Nole retired after the third set. Since then, they’ve played each other 29 times. Their head-to-head record is 30-29. However, Rafa has won five of nine grand slam singles finals.

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Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic titles

In his professional career, Rafael Nadal has won 91 ATP titles, which can be split down as follows:

Grand Slam: 21
Masters : 0
Masters 1000: 36
ATP 500: 23
ATP 250: 10

Additionally, he dropped 37 finals, including 8 Grand Slams. Rafael Nadal has five victories with Spain in the Davis Cup, in 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2019. The Spanish athlete earned a gold medal in singles at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and a gold medal in doubles at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Since turning professional five years after Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic has won 87 ATP titles, including:

Grand Slam: 20
Masters: 5
Masters 1000: 38
ATP 500: 14
ATP 250: 10

He also dropped 35 finals, 10 of which were Grand Slam contests. In 2010, Serbia and Novak Djokovic won the Davis Cup. The Serb took up the bronze medal in singles at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

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Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic skills

All-court specialist Nole prioritizes aggressive baseline play. He has exceptional mobility, court coverage, and defensive skills, and his backhand is often regarded as the finest in the game right now.

Besides, with his strong topspin groundstrokes, consistency, quick footwork, and complete court coverage, Nadal plays with an aggressive, behind-the-baseline style. He plays his forehand with a full western grip and excels on clay courts.

Nadal is known for his incredible stamina and powerful groundstrokes. He is able to wear down his opponents with his relentless play and make them hit more shots than they want to. Djokovic is known for his speed and agility, as well as his incredible return of serve. He is able to get many balls back in play and force his opponents to make mistakes.

Sum up

Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic who is better? When comparing the two players, it is difficult to say who is the better player. They have both had successes and failures against each other. However, if you looked at their careers as a whole, Djokovic would probably be the better player. He has more Grand Slam titles than Nadal and has been number one for a longer period of time. Rafa has had a great career, but Nole has been a little bit more consistent overall.

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