Emerson hoping Nadal can stop Djokovic at six titles

Tennis legend Roy Emerson is tipping – as well as hoping – Rafael Nadal will triumph in the Australian Open showdown with Novak Djokovic and accelerate his pursuit of Roger Federer’s record 20 major singles titles.

With Djokovic booking a clash with Nadal after his destruction of Lucas Pouille that more than matched the Spaniard’s demolition of Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semi-finals, the world No.1 Serbian has the chance to collect a seventh Australian Open title.

Rafael Nadal is set for a blockbuster Australian Open men’s final with Novak Djokovic.Credit:Eddie Jim

“No one’s going to beat him at the French again, or Monte Carlo. He owns those [clay court] tournaments so he’s going to win the French again.”

If Emerson is correct, that would leave Nadal heading to the Wimbledon grass courts with the chance to catch Federer two months after turning 33.

Emerson remains in awe of Federer’s achievements at 37, even though the Swiss maestro was upset by Tsitsipas, one of the best prospects in the game aged under 21, in four sets in the fourth round.

“Obviously at 37 he’s slowing down a little bit. But he’s still difficult to handle on the tennis court,” Emerson said.

“He didn’t have a great day the other day [when he lost to Tsitsipas in the round of 16] and didn’t serve as well … when Roger serves really well his other game picks up.

“He said he would play two or three more years. I don’t think he wants to play if he’s not doing well.”

With AAP

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