In a recent interview with Spanish media outlet Movistar+, Rafael Nadal gave his opinion on why Novak Djokovic has more Grand Slams than him. Nadal believed his fitness issues held him back. He said Djokovic played more Slams than him while he missed many because of injuries.
Another such injury ended Nadal’s 2023 season at the start. Having missed virtually the entire year, he is recovering and gearing up for a comeback. However, he will not be back on the court before 2024. Nadal will want to match, if not exceed, Djokovic’s Majors tally upon his return.
Rafael Nadal says his injury issues allowed Djokovic to eclipse him
Nadal sat down with Movistar+ for an extensive interview during his injury break. He accepted the harsh reality that he missed nearly five years’ worth of Grand Slam tournaments due to injuries. He admitted Novak Djokovic is ahead of him because the Serb’s physical fitness allowed him to compete in more Grand Slams.
Nadal, who acknowledged that he played fewer tournaments, said he often wished to win three Majors upon his comeback, but it was unlikely.
“I missed four and a half years of Grand Slams due to injury, this is the reality. But that’s also sport. That’s why I’m not better than Djokovic, because I played less. He had a physique and a way of playing that allowed him to compete more than me. I have no choice but to recognize this, I did what I could. Sometimes I come back and win three Grand Slams, but it’s unlikely.”
The Spanish legend wished he could change some things and decisions, regretting certain bad choices he made about protecting his body. He again praised Djokovic’s fitness, saying the World No.1’s playing style helped him participate in more competitions. Nadal confessed that some of his decisions were not ideal.
“I would change many things in my life and my career. I have made wrong decisions when it comes to protecting my physique. Djokovic, he has done better because his way of playing has allowed him to play more than me. But I was wrong for thinking that my decisions were good.”
Nadal withdrew midway from the 2023 Australian Open and subsequently missed all Slams this year. The 2022 French Open was his last Majors title. Djokovic, in the meantime, took full advantage of Nadal’s absence to bag three Grand Slams, taking his tally to 24. He pulled two clear of Nadal in the list of most men’s singles Grand Slam titles.
Can Nadal surpass Djokovic and get back on top for most Majors?
The tennis world has been waiting for Nadal to get back on the court. The Spaniard is likely to mark his comeback at the 2024 Australian Open for his reportedly final year on Tour. While he may have said that it’s not realistic for him to win Grand Slams right away after his return, his competitive side will push to win titles.
Djokovic’s record, however, might be a tad too far. He has 24 Grand Slam titles and does not look like slowing down. If Nadal wishes to reclaim his spot at the top of the list, not only does he have to win three Majors, but also has to keep Djokovic from adding any more.
It is an extremely difficult task, and the 22-time Majors winner is running out of time. His Serbian rival is in imperious form whereas Nadal is returning from an year-long lay-off. It would not be realistic to expect him to reclaim his record of most Grand Slams in men’s singles.
