‘Djokovic Has the Issue of Not Being Vaccinated’- Rafael Nadal’s Coach Francisco Roig Compares Rafael Nadal to Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer

Rafael Nadal bounced back from two sets down at the Australian Open 2022 against Daniil Medvedev to become the first man in history to win 21 Grand Slam singles titles. He then continued his unbeaten streak into the Masters tournament at Acapulco, winning the title against Cameron Norrie.

He seems to be in fantastic form and will next be taking part in the Indian Wells. Given the way he is playing right now, the upcoming Clay season looks to be hopeful for the King of Clay. This is definitely an improvement from the second half of the last year, where Nadal had to undergo surgery and rehabilitation for an injury in his foot which he says is impossible to cure and can only be managed to a certain extent.
One of his coaches, Francis Roig, has been with the Spaniard for the longest time now. He recently opened up about comparing his charge with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in terms of the debate regarding who is the greatest of all times.

Francis Roig has been in Rafael Nadal’s coaching team for the last 17 years. He is providing his guidance to the Spaniard alongside Toni Nadal and  Carlos Moya, since 2005. He is part of the team and family that Rafael Nadal always credits all his success to.

Also read: “I Feel Liberated”- Rafael Nadal on His Winning Streak of Matches in 2022

Francis Roig talks about Rafael Nadal and the GOAT debate

“Two months ago I would tell you that Rafa had it very difficult. Right now I will tell you that he is 50-50 with Novak. Roger has it very difficult given that he has been out for a long time and is older. We know that Novak may be a few years old more than us playing. We’ll see what happens, it would be very good if Rafa could get this next Roland Garros,” he added.

With regards to who will emerge as the greatest of all times, he said that Nadal is not aiming for the World No. 1 ranking, but rather on winning as many titles as possible. This, he said, might be an issue for Novak Djokovic, whose vaccination status might prevent him from participating in some of his favorite tournaments.

“Djokovic has the issue of not having been vaccinated, which is very respectable. The test for him is going to be when he can’t play any more Grand Slams. At the moment he cannot play in the United States, a tour that he has always liked. Maybe he’s waiting for the rule change, I don’t know. It will be his decision and he will have to evaluate it well,” he added.

Francis Roig also addressed the GOAT debate, which has raised his head again, given Nadal’s renewed form. While last year when Roger Federer and Nadal both were dealing with their respective injuries, the tennis world at large had almost assumed that it was sort of an end of the road for the two. But now that Nadal is back winning titles like old times, the question of who is the greatest of all time still remains unanswered.

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