In an interview with Spanish newspaper AS, Rafael Nadal acknowledged modern Novak Djokovic as the best tennis participant of all time. Nadal’s feedback come months after Djokovic broke his Grand Slam titles document on the French Open in June and weeks after Djokovic earned his twenty fourth profession main trophy within the US Open.
In making his argument, Nadal led off by saying that it was “indeniable” that Djokovic had higher statistics than him earlier than making it clear that he wouldn’t let his personal profession and ego get in the way in which of acknowledging the profession that Djokovic has had.
“I do not drop any rings nor do I’ve an ego sufficiently big to attempt to disguise a actuality that isn’t. That is the reality,” Nadal stated (translated from Spanish). “The remaining are tastes, inspiration, sensations that one or the opposite might transmit to you, that you might like one or the opposite extra. I believe that with respect to titles, Djokovic is one of the best in historical past and there’s nothing to argue about that.
“… I congratulate you for every part you are reaching and that doesn’t trigger me any sort of frustration. I’ve stated it after I was the one who gained essentially the most Slams, I stated it after we had been tied and I say it now that I’m behind. I’m not going to be the one who tries, by means of a private battle, to wish to be what I’m not. What’s, is and what’s not, isn’t. I say this very happy with every part I’ve carried out.”
Whereas Djokovic, Nadal, and Roger Federer have lengthy battled amongst one another to be the world’s No. 1-ranked participant, Djokovic has begun to differentiate himself from his two contemporaries when it comes to his profession achievements. Past merely the Grand Slam titles document, Djokovic has additionally gained 39 Masters 1000 titles and has triumphed in every of tennis’ second-tier tournaments not less than twice.
Djokovic’s surpassing of Nadal has come as Nadal has spent the previous a number of years scuffling with accidents. After withdrawing from the French Open resulting from a hip damage, Nadal said in Might that he intends to retire after the 2024 season.
