‘Facing Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic means…’ – Quentin Halys bold statement on two legends of Tennis

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic received plaudits from Quentin Halys, who claimed they were the two best tennis players in history. Frenchman Halys, who is presently rated No. 87 in the world, became a professional in 2012.

In the opening round of the 2015 French Open, he faced off against Rafael Nadal and lost 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. It was his first-ever Grand Slam main draw match. The 26-year-old also lost both of his meetings with Djokovic in straight sets, at the 2023 Adelaide International 1 and the 2016 Australian Open.

Halys reflected on his battle versus Nadal in an interview with the We Love Tennis magazine during the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters. He said the 36-year-old honoured him since he put pressure on him right away and gave weight to each and every issue.

“It was a long time ago I was young. I just have a little regret, because I didn’t enjoy that moment at all. I remember that the whole crowd was with Rafa. What impressed me the most was his ability to put the pressure on from the start of the match, to never let you down on any point as if it was a match point every time,” Halys was quoted as saying in We Love Tennis magazine.

 I don’t think I deserve to end like this: Rafael Nadal

Halys emphasised how challenging it was for other tennis players to compete against Nadal and Djokovic due to the two legends’ “aura” that they brought with them.

“On the other hand, when you play Nadal or Djokovic, as we did at the beginning of the season, you’re playing against an opponent, but more importantly, you’re playing against the history of tennis. You are also fighting against their aura, what they represent, and that can be very destabilizing,” the 26-year-old asserted.

Rafael Nadal announced his withdrawal from the 2023 French Open in a news conference last week, but he also promised to return whenever his elbow has healed. He stated that he wanted to fight one more time before he would call it a career in tennis in 2024.

“I don’t like the word but I feel strong enough to say it — I don’t think I deserve to end like thisI’ve worked hard enough throughout my career for my end not to be in a press conference. My idea is that this last effort is worth leaving everything so that the last year will be something special,” Nadal was quoted as saying in the press conference.