Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic to Play Doubles in Toronto?
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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. ADHEREL
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.
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