It’s the powerful fist-pumper versus the court comedian.
Rafael Nadal against tournament top-seed Novak Djokovic. That’s what Footwear News predicts will be the most talked about — and certainly the most anticipated — match of the French Open.
Though that quarterfinal match up is victories away for both players — Nadal and Djokovic finally played their first matches today — many tennis observers are bracing for the ultimate clay-court showdown at Roland Garros, which went into full swing on Sunday.
Nadal, the nine-time champion who slipped to his lowest ranking in a decade, is returning from a series of injuries. Meanwhile, Djokovic is on a winning streak that has him on pace to complete a career Grand Slam.
While the two players have faced each other in two of the last three French Open finals, they’ve yet to face off in an FN shoe-down. Nadal for Nike, and Djokovic in Adidas.
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The two began their quest for the trophy today, along with women’s force Serena Williams, in what was billed as Super Tuesday.
Djokovic won against Jarkko Nieminen (6-2, 7-5, 6-2), while Williams beat Andrea Hlavackova with a score of 6-2, 6-3.
Nadal defeated 18-year-old Quentin Halys (6-3 6-3 6-4).
But more importantly, whose shoe style reigns supreme? Nadal or Djokovic? Click through our slideshow and sound off @footwearnews.
