Rafael Nadal Says He’s Not Interested in Chasing Roger Federer’s Record

Rafael Nadal conquered his record 12th Roland Garros title at the French Open 2019 after defeating Dominic Thiem 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 in the finals on Sunday. The Spaniard narrowed the gap between his and Roger Federer‘s 20 majors as he won his 18th grand slam title at the Roland Garros 2019.

However, Rafael Nadal revealed that he is not chasing the Swiss’ record of 20 grand slam titles. He said, “Of course, we push each other. But I lost, I think, around 15 or even more Grand Slams in my career for injuries. So have been – is difficult”

Rafael Nadal continued, “But being honest, I never complain myself much, and I never tried to think about, Well, I gonna catch Roger or not. Being honest, I am not very worried about this stuff, no? ‘You can’t be frustrated all the time because the neighbor has a bigger house than you or a bigger TV or a better garden.”

“That’s not the way that I see the life, you know. ‘And I just try to do my way. I feel very lucky about all the things that are happening to me. And if, at the end of my career, I am able to win a couple of more Grand Slams and be closer to Roger, will be unbelievable, “ added the 33-year-old.

Rafael Nadal suggested that he doesn’t want to think about the future and wants to enjoy his game at the moment. He said, “If not, for me, still unbelievable, no? And today, the last thing that I thought before you ask me that is about this thing. For me, Roland Garros, feel myself enjoying again on court. That’s the main thing, no? Then what can happen in the future, we will see. I gonna try my best to keep enjoying tennis, giving myself chances to compete at the highest level, and we will see what’s going on.”

Rafael Nadal insinuated that Federer’s record makes him stay motivated but it’s not an addiction for him. He said, “It’s a motivation, but it’s not my obsession. If you ask me whether I would like it, of course. If that’s a goal in my career, no. It’s not what makes me get up every morning or go and train and play. It’s not the way in which I view the sport, and it’s not the way in which I consider my sports career.”

“I want to follow my own journey, give myself the best opportunities, and give myself the possibility of competing at the highest level. And if I end up in a position like that of today where I’m the one who won most Roland Garros in history, well, all very well, “ Rafael Nadal added.

Rafael Nadal divulged that he has won more than he dreamt of in his career. He appended, “But I don’t think my future will be worth any more if I equal Federer’s record or if I do something like Djokovic or whatever. I consider that I’m going much further than I dreamt about in my career.”