Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic to Play Doubles in Toronto?

August 5th, 2010

Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic to Play Doubles in Toronto?
by Sean Randall

Rain has delayed the start of play in Washington this afternoon. So with a few minutes to spare I’ll echo the news that Rafael Nadal will team with Novak Djokovic in the men’s doubles at the Canadian Masters Toronto next week.

Nadal and Djokovic are the World No. 1 and 2, respectively. And if they do play together it would be the first time the top two players have teamed for doubles since 1976, that according to Spanish Marca. And it’s the first time Rafa and Novak have teamed up (Rafa beat Novak in doubles at Montreal last year BTW).

Of course Nadal and Novak have had a history. Not only have they been involved in some epic matches but there’s been some minor issues and perhaps bad blood between the two, which I won’t get into here – but you what they are (retiring, imitations, etc).

That said, it’s good see both guys joining up for doubles. And for Nadal, I have to wonder how his knees will hold up playing both singles AND doubles in this his first hardcourt event since March. The fact he entered the doubles should signal his knee are healthy. I just hope that’s the case.

As for withdrawals, so far the only star pullouts are Juan Martin Del Potro and JW Tsonga. However, Lleyton Hewitt did hurt his calf and Ernests Gulbis his back yesterday in D.C. so there could be questions about both those players.

It’s still raining in D.C. For fans of Del Potro, Tennis Channel is replaying his Washington semifinal win over Gonzalez a year ago.

Also Check Out:
Un-Fit Rafael Nadal Withdraws From Toronto
Andy Roddick Withdraws From Toronto
Nadal, Djokovic Make Doubles Debut; Querrey, Gulbis in Action Monday in Toronto
En Route to Toronto, Rafael Nadal Practices Forehand at Airport [Video]
Roger Federer Wins Epic Olympic Marathon, Will Play For Gold On Sunday; Withdraws From Toronto

Filed under: Canadian Open
Tags: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal

17 Comments for Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic to Play Doubles in Toronto?

Daniel Craig Says:

This is badass, can’t wait

August 5th, 2010 at 7:05 pm

sar Says:

Well it’s great publicity for the event and should help bring them in. Wonder how much extra they are getting paid? At IW last year, I couldn’t get in to see Rafa/Lopez play doubles, it was that crowded.

August 5th, 2010 at 7:59 pm

bibi Says:

Nadal and Djokovic were scheduled to play doubles together last year at Cincy, but Nadal withdrew at the last moment, nursing a slightly hurt ab muscle from Montreal (it got properly torn subsequently at USO).

August 5th, 2010 at 8:27 pm

jane Says:

I remember that bibi. I was trying to remember when I’d heard plans of the two pairing up before, and that must’ve been it. Sean speaks of “bad blood” between them, but I don’t think it’s anything much other than in 2007 when Djoko was doing his imitations. Since then they have been to soccer games together (this year), have golfed together (last year at IW), and there’s even a photo of the two of them plus a couple of others in a hot tub (I think Ezorra posted it). They are, after all, closer in age than Fed and Rafa, not to mention their lives being more similar (both European, both in long term relationships, both with very tight knit families). Yes, they have loads of differences too, but I think the kids are alright.

August 5th, 2010 at 9:09 pm

bibi Says:

What convinced me more than anything that these two are quite friendly was a fan blog from last year’s pre-Wimbledon pressers, describing what she witnessed while hanging around the press room with a bunch of other fans during Nadal’s announcement of withdrawal.

When his presser finished, a sad looking Nadal and Djokovic sat alone at the front hall and talked quietly for half an hour. The fans could see them through the glass.

Way to comfort a fellow player, Djoko.

August 5th, 2010 at 11:22 pm

jane Says:

Yeah that must have been a tough moment for Rafa. I think I read about that then, or saw a picture or something because again what you say sounds familiar, bibi.

Don’t know if you saw many of the post-final ceremonies last year bibi, but after the Rome final (09), Nole and Rafa seemed to have a sporting good time. : )

August 5th, 2010 at 11:36 pm

Roxeena Says:

Guys please anybody knows where I can find Rafael Nadal and take a picture with him??????????????

August 6th, 2010 at 2:15 am

chip hernandez Says:

Come on, why all this fuss about Nadal’s knees holding up. The guy is the toughest on the tour right now. He just won the last two majors in straight sets, for crying out loud!

August 6th, 2010 at 9:56 am

dzulkafley Says:

a rafa-federer double, now that would be a formidable combination…Bryan and Bryan won’t stand a chance

August 6th, 2010 at 12:46 pm

Wiliam Christopher Says:

Rafa won the French in straight sets, but not Wimbledon :)

August 6th, 2010 at 12:52 pm

En Route to Toronto, Rafael Nadal Practices Forehand at Airport [Video] Says:

[...] Nadal will be the top seed at the Rogers Cup Masters which begins on Monday. He’ll benefit from a bye but fans might catch a glimpse of him Monday or Tuesday in doubles when he pairs with No. 2 Novak Djokovic. [...]

August 6th, 2010 at 1:02 pm

Daniel Craig Says:

Rafa straight setted murray and birdman, everyone else was simply treeing

August 6th, 2010 at 3:11 pm

Anna Says:

Rafa asked Fed a few times to play doubles when they were 1 & 2, but Roger could never fit it into his agenda. I think it’s great that Rafa and Nole are playing together. While they share the same PR guy, I think there is real affection between the two. Rafa and Marc’s match at IW was insane this year. It was packed. If 3 people left, then exactly 3 people were let in to take those seats. It was definitely a money maker and great fun too.

Rafa won both the French (Soderling) and Wimbledon (Berdych) in straight sets. Hope the tradition caries over to USO.

August 6th, 2010 at 3:50 pm

chip hernandez Says:

Check your facts William Christopher. 2010 Wimbledon final, Nadal v Berdych, Nadal won, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4. If that isn’t in straight sets, you must have been watching another match.

August 6th, 2010 at 4:14 pm

Snowyc Says:

Perhaps William was thinking of 2008? ;-)

August 6th, 2010 at 4:34 pm

David Says:

There has never been any issues between two players,on contrary,tennis circles around them say that these two players are very good friends and share the same manager who has crucial role in their connection.There is great respect between two different characters,Nadal is shy and reserved and Novak funny and always positive.

August 6th, 2010 at 8:57 pm

Nina Says:

It is well known that Nadal and Novak are good friends on the tour, not only have they shared many moments off the court (golfing, casino, soccer, hot tubs) but they also speak fondly of each other and respect each other very much. They also have provided some truly memorable and epic matches, they match up very well on court and it is always a joy to watch them together or against each other. A great rivalry outside of Fed-Nadal.

August 13th, 2010 at 11:49 am

Like us on facebook