The Stats Zone
May 19 2019, 11:34 · Ash Wheldon

2019 Italian Open – Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal Preview & Prediction

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THE FACTS

Where is Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal taking place? Foro Italico, Rome

When is Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal on and what time does it start? Sunday 19th May, 2019 – 15:00 (UK)

What channel is Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal on? This match will not be televised live in the UK

Where can I stream Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream the match live

Where can I get tickets for Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal? https://ticketing.internazionalibnlditalia.com/

THE LOWDOWN

HEAD-TO-HEAD
All-time meetings: Novak Djokovic 28-25 Rafael Nadal
Last meeting: Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-2, 6-3

NOVAK DJOKOVIC

  • Novak Djokovic progressed to the final of the Italian Open with a hard-fought victory over Diego Schwartzman with the Argentine pushing the world number 1 all the way.
  • Djokovic needed three sets to see off his opponent with him managing to claim a 6-3, 6-7, 6-3 win and if he can overcome Rafael Nadal in the final, he will claim back-to-back Masters titles.
  • Djokovic struggled to beat Nadal on clay when the pair first clashed at the start of their careers, losing the first nine contests between the two with the record now standing at 16-7 in Nadal’s favour.

RAFAEL NADAL

  • Rafael Nadal qualified for his first final on clay in 2019 as he defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets in their semi-final contest.
  • Nadal gained revenge for his loss in Madrid last week as he won 6-3, 6-4 and will now renew his rivalry with Novak Djokovic as he looks for his first ATP title of the year.
  • In their last two contests on clay, Nadal has come out on top and will be looking to make it three in a row against the Serb.

THE PREDICTION

Novak Djokovic will have to overcome old foe Rafael Nadal to make it back-to-back Masters titles in what should be a thrilling final in Rome. Nadal is competing in his first clay final of 2019 as he finally starts to find some form ahead of Roland Garros and can edge this one. He has beaten Djokovic in the previous two meetings between the two on clay and can improve that record having shown some promising signs of improvement as the week has progressed following a poor start to his clay season.