• ATP Tour

Djokovic 'the best but beatable' says Nadal

ESPN staff
February 27, 2012
Rafael Nadal believes that Novak Djokovic is beatable even at his best © PA Photos
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Rafael Nadal has admitted that Novak Djokovic is rightly ranked as the world's No. 1 tennis player, but believes the Serb is 'always beatable'.

Speaking to Spanish station TVE, the world No. 2 discussed a range of subjects which included doping, the upcoming Olympics and his relationship with the French public.

Responding to a question on the topic of Djokovic, who took three out of the four grand slams in 2011 and who has started 2012 on the front foot by defeating Nadal in the final of the Australian Open, the Spaniard said: "He is the best right now, but he's always beatable."

Moving onto his relationship with the French public, Nadal, who has won the Open at Roland Garros six times - including his only grand slam of 2011 - said he felt welcomed there despite the recent controversy surrounding the Canal+ caricatures.

"My genuine feeling is that I'm very much liked in France, even though the crowd at Roland Garros is the one which has supported me the least," said the 25-year-old, who is keen to draw a line under the Canal+ affair.

"The caricatures are done and dusted. It's gone beyond ... We've given it loads of publicity," he said, before underlining his stance on the subject of doping. "It's a global problem. There are always people who are going to cheat. I want a clean sport but I don't like the system, it's unfair."

Nadal also highlighted his desire to lead his country at this summer's London Olympics, and added: "I wish I could be Spain's leader in London. I would love it."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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