Writing in his column for L’equipe on Friday, three-time Roland Garros champion Mats Wilander aired his views on the meaning of Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal from Roland Garros. In his opinion, the absence of the nine-time champion is not good news for Novak Djokovic. He believes that even if Djokovic wins the title, Nadal’s withdrawal will take some of the shine from the Serb’s accomplishment.
More: Beleaguered Forget Pushes for Roof Expediency
“And this is not good news for Djokovic,” Wilander wrote (translated from French, see tweet at bottom of page). “Because as a player you do not want to win Roland Garros when there is nobody around you. In twenty years it will be not be of importance, But today it is. This year is like 2009, when Federer has won Roland Garros without beating Nadal. The only one who can rejoice in this package is perhaps Granollers.
“Without Nadal, Roland Garros isn’t truly Roland Garros, and Djokovic knows it very well.”
Unlike Federer, Djokovic does own a win over Nadal at the French Open, and most would consider the Serb a heavy favorite if he was to meet Nadal in the semifinals, as it was scheduled this year in Paris. Does he need to win the tournament by beating Nadal to make it legitimate? Clearly not. Would Nadal’s absence in any way tarnish a title won by Djokovic? Most would say no.
Not Wilander.
In defense of the Swede’s words (and our interpretation of them), a more glorious route to a French Open title would surely go through Nadal, there’s no denying that. But the fact that Nadal is no longer in the draw will not diminish the achievements of whomever holds the Coupe des Mousquetaires aloft on Sunday in Paris.
An old tennis axiom: A player, however great, can only beat those players he faces, en route to a title. It’s always been true, and it always will be.
Federer fans certainly would agree. Looking back at the Swiss’ Roland Garros title in 2009, just seven years ago, seems to drive this point home. We all know that Federer won in a year that Nadal was shocked by Robin Soderling in Paris. Yet despite this fact, he is still considered the greatest player of all-time, and the fact that he has won all four majors a key ingredient to his legacy.
If Djokovic wins Roland Garros this Sunday, it won’t matter who he did it against. It will only matter that he’s done it. That goes for today and for 20 years from now.