The first Nadal vs Djokovic match was in the quarterfinals of the French Open in 2006, with Nadal winning the match after Djokovic retired in the third set.
Since then they have played each other a total of 59 times with Djokovic leading their H2H 30-29.
This article will look at some of the key stats and head to head records from the 59 matches Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have played to date.
Nadal vs Djokovic H2H Stats
| Rafael Nadal | Vs | Novak Djokovic |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Year born | 1987 |
| 2001 | Year turned Pro | 2003 |
| Spanish | Nationality | Serbian |
| Left handed | Plays | Right handed |
| Two handed backhand | Backhand | Two handed backhand |
| 29 | Matches won | 30 |
| 49% (29/59) | Winning Percentage | 51% (30/59) |
| 7 | Matches won on a hard court | 20 |
| 20 | Matches won on clay | 8 |
| 2 | Matches won on grass | 2 |
| 13 | Matches won in Finals | 16 |
| 5 | Matches won in Grand Slam Finals | 4 |
| 7 | Matches won in Masters 1000 Finals | 7 |
| 2 | Matches won in ATP World Tour Finals | 3 |
Rafael Nadal vs Djokovic Head to Head Record
Grand Slam Head to Head
Nadal and Djokovic have played each other a total of 18 times in grand slam tournaments with Nadal currently leading the grand slam head to head 11-7.
Of the 18 matches, they have played in grand slam tournaments, nine matches were in a final, six matches were in a semifinal and three matches were in a quarterfinal.
Nadal and Djokovic have played each other twice at the Australian Open (2012 and 2019), ten times at the French Open (2006, 2007, 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2020, 2021, and 2022), three times at Wimbledon (2007, 2011, and 2018), and three times at the US Open (2010, 2011, and 2013).
The last Grand Slam match they played against each other was in the Quarterfinals of the 2022 French Open, which Nadal won in four sets.
| Year | Tournament | Round | Winner | Match Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Roland Garros | Quarterfinals | Rafael Nadal | 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 |
| 2021 | Roland Garros | Semifinals | Novak Djokovic | 3-6 6-3 7-6 6-2 |
| 2020 | Roland Garros | Final | Rafael Nadal | 6-0 6-2 7-5 |
| 2019 | Australian Open | Final | Novak Djokovic | 6-3 6-2 6-3 |
| 2018 | Wimbledon | Semifinals | Novak Djokovic | 6-4 3-6 7-6 3-6 10-8 |
| 2015 | Roland Garros | Quarterfinals | Novak Djokovic | 7-5 6-3 6-1 |
| 2014 | Roland Garros | Final | Rafael Nadal | 3-6 7-5 6-2 6-4 |
| 2013 | US Open | Final | Rafael Nadal | 6-2 3-6 6-4 6-1 |
| 2013 | Roland Garros | Semifinals | Rafael Nadal | 6-4 3-6 6-1 6-7 9-7 |
| 2012 | Roland Garros | Final | Rafael Nadal | 6-4 6-3 2-6 7-5 |
| 2012 | Australian Open | Final | Novak Djokovic | 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7 7-5 |
| 2011 | US Open | Final | Novak Djokovic | 6-2 6-4 6-7 6-1 |
| 2011 | Wimbledon | Final | Novak Djokovic | 6-4 6-1 1-6 6-3 |
| 2010 | US Open | Final | Rafael Nadal | 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-2 |
| 2008 | Roland Garros | Semifinals | Rafael Nadal | 6-4 6-2 7-6 |
| 2007 | Wimbledon | Semifinals | Rafael Nadal | 3-6 6-1 4-1 |
| 2007 | Roland Garros | Semifinals | Rafael Nadal | 7-5 6-4 6-2 |
| 2006 | Roland Garros | Quarterfinals | Rafael Nadal | 6-4 6-4 |
Nadal vs Djokovic Head to Head by Court Surface
Head to Head on Grass
Nadal and Djokovic have played each other four times on grass with Djokovic leading the H2H on grass 3-1.
Three out of the four matches they have played on grass were at Wimbledon including an epic 5-set match in the semifinals of the 2018 Wimbledon Championships which Djokovic won 10-8 in the fifth set.
| Year | Tournament | Round | Winner | Match Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Wimbledon | Semifinals | Novak Djokovic | 6-4 3-6 7-6 3-6 10-8 |
| 2011 | Wimbledon | Final | Novak Djokovic | 6-4 6-1 1-6 6-3 |
| 2008 | London / Queen’s Club | Final | Rafael Nadal | 7-6 7-5 |
| 2007 | Wimbledon | Semifinals | Rafael Nadal | 3-6 6-1 4-1 |
Head to Head on Clay
Nadal and Djokovic have played each other a total of 28 times on clay courts with Nadal currently leading the clay court H2H 20-8.
Their last match on clay was in the 2022 French Open Quarterfinals which was won by Nadal in 4 sets.
| Year | Tournament | Round | Winner | Match Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | French Open | Quarterfinals | Nadal | 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 |
| 2021 | French Open | Semifinals | Djokovic | 3-6 6-3 7-6 6-2 |
| 2021 | Rome Open | Final | Nadal | 7-5 1-6 6-3 |
| 2020 | Roland Garros | Final | Nadal | 6-0 6-2 7-5 |
| 2019 | Rome Open | Final | Nadal | 6-0 4-6 6-1 |
| 2018 | Rome Open | Semifinals | Nadal | 7-6 6-3 |
| 2017 | Madrid Open | Semifinals | Nadal | 6-2 6-4 |
| 2016 | Rome Open | Quarterfinals | Djokovic | 7-5 7-6 |
| 2015 | Roland Garros | Quarterfinals | Djokovic | 7-5 6-3 6-1 |
| 2015 | Monte Carlo Masters | Semifinals | Djokovic | 6-3 6-3 |
| 2014 | Roland Garros | Final | Nadal | 3-6 7-5 6-2 6-4 |
| 2014 | Rome Open | Final | Djokovic | 4-6 6-3 6-3 |
| 2013 | Roland Garros | Semifinals | Nadal | 6-4 3-6 6-1 6-7 9-7 |
| 2013 | Monte Carlo Masters | Final | Djokovic | 6-2 7-6 |
| 2012 | Roland Garros | Final | Nadal | 6-4 6-3 2-6 7-5 |
| 2012 | Rome Open | Final | Nadal | 7-5 6-3 |
| 2012 | Monte Carlo Masters | Final | Nadal | 6-3 6-1 |
| 2011 | Rome Open | Final | Djokovic | 6-4 6-4 |
| 2011 | Madrid Open | Final | Djokovic | 7-5 6-4 |
| 2009 | Madrid Open | Semifinals | Nadal | 3-6 7-6 7-6 |
| 2009 | Rome Open | Final | Nadal | 7-6 6-2 |
| 2009 | Monte Carlo Masters | Final | Nadal | 6-3 2-6 6-1 |
| 2009 | Davis Cup – Spain vs. Serbia | Round Robin | Nadal | 6-4 6-4 6-1 |
| 2008 | Roland Garros | Semifinals | Nadal | 6-4 6-2 7-6 |
| 2008 | Hamburg Open | Semifinals | Nadal | 7-5 2-6 6-2 |
| 2007 | Roland Garros | Semifinals | Nadal | 7-5 6-4 6-2 |
| 2007 | Rome Open | Quarterfinals | Nadal | 6-2 6-3 |
| 2006 | Roland Garros | Quarterfinals | Nadal | 6-4 6-4 |
Head to Head on Hard Courts
Nadal and Djokovic have played each other a total of 27 times on hard courts (indoor and outdoor) with Djokovic leading their hard court H2H 20-7.
| Year | Tournament | Round | Winner | Match Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | ATP Cup | Final | Djokovic | 6-2 7-6 |
| 2019 | Australian Open | Final | Djokovic | 6-3 6-2 6-3 |
| 2016 | BNP Paribas Open | Semifinals | Djokovic | 7-6 6-2 |
| 2016 | Doha | Final | Djokovic | 6-1 6-2 |
| 2015 | ATP Finals | Semifinals | Djokovic | 6-3 6-3 |
| 2015 | Beijing | Final | Djokovic | 6-2 6-2 |
| 2014 | Miami Open | Final | Djokovic | 6-3 6-3 |
| 2013 | ATP Finals | Final | Djokovic | 6-3 6-4 |
| 2013 | Beijing | Final | Djokovic | 6-3 6-4 |
| 2013 | US Open | Final | Nadal | 6-2 3-6 6-4 6-1 |
| 2013 | Canadian Open | Semifinals | Nadal | 6-4 3-6 7-6 |
| 2012 | Australian Open | Final | Djokovic | 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7 7-5 |
| 2011 | US Open | Final | Djokovic | 6-2 6-4 6-7 6-1 |
| 2011 | Miami Open | Final | Djokovic | 4-6 6-3 7-6 |
| 2011 | BNP Paribas Open | Final | Djokovic | 4-6 6-3 6-2 |
| 2010 | ATP Finals | Round Robin | Nadal | 7-5 6-2 |
| 2010 | US Open | Final | Nadal | 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-2 |
| 2009 | ATP Finals | Round Robin | Djokovic | 7-6 6-3 |
| 2009 | Paris Masters | Semifinals | Djokovic | 6-2 6-3 |
| 2009 | Cincinnati Open | Semifinals | Djokovic | 6-1 6-4 |
| 2008 | Beijing Olympics | Semifinals | Nadal | 6-4 1-6 6-4 |
| 2008 | Cincinnati Open | Semifinals | Djokovic | 6-1 7-5 |
| 2008 | BNP Paribas Open | Semifinals | Djokovic | 6-3 6-2 |
| 2007 | Tennis Masters Cup | Round Robin | Nadal | 6-4 6-4 |
| 2007 | Canadian Open | Semifinals | Djokovic | 7-5 6-3 |
| 2007 | Miami Open | Quarterfinals | Djokovic | 6-3 6-4 |
| 2007 | BNP Paribas Open | Final | Nadal | 6-2 7-5 |
Djokovic vs Nadal Matches Played per Year
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal first played each other in 2006, with their last match being played in 2022.
From 2006 to 2022, they played each other at least once a year with 2007 and 2009 seeing the most Djokovic vs Nadal matches being played in a single year (7).
| Year | Matches Played | Nadal Wins | Djokovic Wins | H2H (Nadal – Djokovic) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1 | 1 | – | 1-0 |
| 2007 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 6-2 |
| 2008 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 10-4 |
| 2009 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 14-7 |
| 2010 | 2 | 2 | – | 16-7 |
| 2011 | 6 | – | 6 | 16-13 |
| 2012 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 19-14 |
| 2013 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 22-17 |
| 2014 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 23-19 |
| 2015 | 4 | – | 4 | 23-23 |
| 2016 | 3 | – | 3 | 23-26 |
| 2017 | 1 | 1 | – | 24-26 |
| 2018 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 25-27 |
| 2019 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 26-28 |
| 2020 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 27-29 |
| 2021 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 28-30 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 | – | 29-30 |
Below are match highlights from their last H2H match at the 2022 French Open.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nadal Djokovic Rivalry
How many times has Djokovic beaten Nadal?
Djokovic has beaten Nadal a total of 30 times and he leads their head to head 30 wins to 29. They have played each other in nine grand slam singles finals with Nadal winning five out of nine of their final encounters.
How many times did Djokovic beat Nadal at Wimbledon?
Djokovic has played Nadal a total of 3 times at Wimbledon with Djokovic winning two out of the three matches. Djokovic’s only loss came in the semifinals of the 2007 Wimbledon Championships.
When did Nadal and Djokovic first play each other?
Nadal and Djokovic first played each other in the 2006 French Open Quarterfinals. Nadal won the match after Djokovic had to retire.
Have Nadal and Djokovic ever played each other in the Davis Cup?
Yes, They played each other in a Spain vs Serbia Davis Cup match in 2009. Nadal won the match in three sets 6-4, 6-4, 6-1.
Who has won more Grand Slam titles?
Nadal has won 22 Grand Slams which is two more than Djokovic.
Who has won more Masters 1000 titles?
Djokovic has won the most Masters 1000 titles with 38 titles to his name. Nadal is two behind with 36 Masters 1000 titles.
Who has won more ATP career titles?
Is Nadal or Djokovic the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time)?
There is no easy answer to this question. You have to wait until Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal have finished their playing careers then you can make a judgment on who really was the GOAT. At the moment, Djokovic is the firm favorite to achieve this title.
Has Nadal and Djokovic ever played doubles together?
Yes, they played doubles together in the 2010 Rogers Cup. They lost to Pospisil and Raonic in the first round, losing 5-7, 6-3, 10-8. At the time they were ranked number 1 and 2 in the ATP singles ranking.
Are Nadal and Djokovic friends off the court?
There is definitely mutual respect for what they have achieved in tennis but they would not be considered close friends off the court.
Have Nadal and Djokovic ever played each other at an Olympics?
They played each other in the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the Singles Semifinals. Nadal won the match in 3 sets (6-4, 1-6, 6-4). Nadal went on to win the Gold Medal Match while Djokovic went on to win the Bronze medal match.
Has Nadal or Djokovic won gold, silver, or bronze at an Olympics?
Nadal won a gold medal in singles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a gold medal in doubles at the 2016 Rio Olympics. He is one of two male tennis players (Nadal and Nicolas Massu) that have won a gold medal in both singles and doubles. Djokovic was a bronze medalist in singles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.