The matches between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have been a treat for fans. The sheer quality and fighting spirit on display when two of the greatest of all time tennis players take on each other, have always elevated the game to epic proportions. And, more often than not, the two have displayed respect for each other publicly despite the sparks on court.
That said, there have been incidents that have posed doubts whether there were tensions lingering between them. On occasions, the fans have even labeled Nadal as jealous of Djokovic’s success.
In 2013, Srdjan Djokovic stated that Nadal was his son’s “best friend”, but added that their relationship soured when Novak started winning more frequently. Recently, Rafa’s uncle, Toni Nadal, took a jibe at the 24-time Grand Slam champion, suggesting that his nephew would have been the best in history if not for his injuries. This has fueled fan speculations about the tension between both the camps.
Nadal, in his latest interview, has put to rest such notions.
While talking to the Spanish publication AS, the 14-time Roland Garros champion responded that he doesn’t dwell on the ifs and buts when asked about whether he could have won more Grand Slam titles had he not missed tournaments.
The conversation then shifted to Djokovic. He insisted that having 25 Grand Slams — one more than Djokovic’s tally — wouldn’t have made him happier. He is more than satisfied with his career.
“I don’t think I would be more satisfied or happy if I was 25, one more than (Djokovic’s) 24. I say this from the heart. Of course I would like to be 25, without a doubt, because this is what sport is about, trying to be the best. However, when it’s over, you value what everything has been together, not if it has been a little more,” Nadal admitted.
Djokovic clinched the top spot in the race for the most Grand Slams among the ‘Big Three,’ Nadal, with 22 titles, managed to surpass his arch rival, Roger Federer, who has 20 Majors against his name. But beating Federer in the titles race is not something Nadal would boast about.
Nadal’s recent conversation with Federer
Rafa revealed that he recently discussed matter of Slam victories with the Swiss Maestro.
“I said it the other day talking to Federer. Yes, it’s true that when you’re in the middle of a race and competing, you want to win. But you get to the end of your career and, honestly, I’m not even the least bit more satisfied than Federer to have 22 (Grand Slam titles) and he has 20,” said Rafa.
The Slam race and numbers notwithstanding, the fact remains that the ‘Big Three’ redefined tennis and dominated the sport for almost two decades. Rather than drawing comparisons, it is essential to acknowledge their remarkable accomplishments by putting it into perspective what they truly represent for the game.
