Tennis fans spot telling detail in Novak Djokovic-Rafa Nadal moment
Tennis fans couldn't help but share a smirk with Norwegian player Casper Ruud as Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic greeted each other during a star-studded training session.
Nadal and Djokovic arrived at the Italian Open, in Rome, after Spanish teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz knocked them both out of the Madrid Open.
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The pair are trying to gather momentum after time away from the court in the lead up to Roland Garros.
Nadal and Djokovic crossed paths briefly at the Madrid Open and the pair again collided during a training session ahead of the tournament.
The Spaniard greeted Djokovic as the pair shook hands, but many fans noticed Ruud in the corner of the footage.
Ruud was getting ready to train with Djokovic but took a double-take, with a slight smirk, when Nadal and Djokovic shook hands.
Tennis fans were quick to share a laugh with Ruud with all eyes on Nadal and Djokovic whenever the pair meet after the Australian Open saga earlier in the year.
Stars out in Rome 🌟@DjokerNole 🤝 @RafaelNadal 🤝 @steftsitsipas 🤝 @CasperRuud98@InteBNLdItalia pic.twitter.com/g2d3M3eY5r
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 9, 2022
Didn't realize this encounter between Novak and Rafael was so brief. Doesn't appear to be much love there and I suspect that's why Casper gives the smile of a Chester Cat. 🤣
— WisdomLivesHere (@tonythetigger1) May 9, 2022
Same Casper, same! pic.twitter.com/nEyX4EbevO
— GOATovic! (@mala_Ica_) May 9, 2022
The look on Ruud's face. 🤣🤣🤣
— Mallon (@mallon_tee) May 10, 2022
The expression of Ruud is awesome ahah
— Angelo (@Angeloa14990296) May 9, 2022
Ruud is all of us🤩 #GOATS #IBI22
— Sachin Balakrishnan (@sachbcool) May 9, 2022
Both World No.1 Djokovic and Nadal received a clear path into the Round of 32 at the Italian Open.
Djokovic will face Aslan Karatsev.
Novak Djokovic on Carlos Alcaraz's form
Alcaraz continued to light up the tennis world in 2022 after winning his second ATP 1000 event last week in Madrid.
He also became the first person to defeat Djokovic and Nadal on clay at the same tournament, which is remarkable considering he is only 19 years old.
And Djokovic praised the teenager for his recent form leading into Roland Garros.
"Everything about his game is really impressive. He's a really complete player, can play equally well offensively and defensively. He's the talk of the sport," Djokovic said of Alcaraz.
"Roland Garros, he's definitely one of the main favourites, no doubt."
Alcaraz leads the men's tour with 28 wins against three losses in 2022.
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