Rafael Nadal is almost set to make his comeback in the Australian Open. The Spaniard clarified that he is not chasing Grand Slam glory. He revealed that he wants his career to end on a memorable note, hopefully in 2024. Spending more than two decades in the professional circuit, Rafa knew better than to set unrealistic goals. Given his physical fitness, it would be quite an achievement if the former World No.1 outlasted the young champions. But one threat still looms large for Nadal – Novak Djokovic.

The Serbian has achieved great numbers that his colleagues could only dream of. He received praise from John Lloyd for being honest about pushing his limits as much as possible. When Roger Federer and Nadal said numbers don’t matter to them, the former professional did not believe it. But Rafa turned a deaf ear to the Brit as he firmly declared his stance, stating the Djoker’s example.

Did Rafael Nadal snub the insurmountable glory of Novak Djokovic?

It took only one interview for the 22-time major champion to quash Lloyd’s number theory. Federer and Nadal have achieved what was thought to be impossible after Pete Sampras’s 14 Grand Slam titles record. The Djoker’s domination started when ‘Fedal’ had their claws deep in the court. By the time the Serb started equaling the records, Federer was in the last stage of his career.

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Rafa was out due to injury when the Djoker defeated younger and more agile players on his way to reach the top. In an interview with Spanish channel, ‘Movistar,’ Nadal expressed his view on the World No.1’s 24 Slams glory. He said, “I think Djokovic lives it in a more intense way. For him, it would have been a greater frustration not to achieve it.” Djokovic has always been driven by hunger and passion to achieve more, which made him a part of the massive G.O.A.T. debate. The former World No.1 also added that the intensity of the Serb is what makes him a champion.

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Though Lloyd agrees with Nadal’s statement, he is adamant that the former World No.1 champions are dishonest in their confession regarding breaking records and achieving more than they already did. However, this is not the first time that the Brit made use of his ‘numbers’ theory.

Chris Evert’s ex-husband once claimed that the American lied

After Iga Swiatek defended her French Open title this year, Chris Evert wished for the Pole to surpass her record. Evert holds the record of winning the most titles at Roland Garros among the WTA circuit. Swiatek is 4 titles away from equaling the record. So after the 18-time major champion presented the title to the Pole, she told ESPN that the 4-time Slam champion has the hunger to do more.

Lloyd, who has never won a Grand Slam in singles, opined that his ex-wife is a lovely lady, but she did not mean what she said. On ‘The Tennis Channel’ podcast, the onetime Slam finalist dismissed the Hall of Famer’s wish, saying that nobody likes to see their records shattered. The Brit added that if they tell they do, then it’s not the truth.

So, it is only natural for him to repeat his opinion on numbers when legendary players express their views. Nonetheless, Djokovic is in his best form of late, and it would not be a shock if he becomes the champion to claim the most Grand Slams. Are you excited for the Australian Open and the twists that are waiting to be unfolded?

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