Djokovic Must Overcome Nadal for Dream of Matching Laver

In his dreams, Novak Djokovic has already lifted the French Open trophy to make it four major tennis titles in a row. In reality, the No. 1-ranked player in the world has to overcome six-time champion Rafael Nadal on his favorite clay courts.

Djokovic didn’t lose in 2011 until June, took three major titles and rose to the top of the sport. The Wimbledon, U.S. Open and Australian Open champion from Serbia needs to win the French Open, which starts May 27 on the clay courts of Roland Garros in Paris, to become the first man to hold all four majors since Australia’s Rod Laver swept the titles in 1969. Laver, who also achieved the feat in 1962, and American Don Budge in 1938 are the only men to win four in a row in one calendar year. Serena Williams held four majors at the same time by winning in Melbourne in 2003.