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Novak Djokovic of Serbia shakes hands with Rafael Nadal of Spain after winning the match point during their final singles match daring day 10 of the ATP Cup at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images)
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Novak Djokovic of Serbia shakes hands with Rafael Nadal of Spain after winning the match point during their final singles match daring day 10 of the ATP Cup at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images)
World No.1 Novak Djokovic added another record to his kitty after winning his 19th Grand Slam title at French Open 2021. Not only is he now one Grand Slam behind Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, but he’s also become the only player i the Open Era to each Grand Slam at least twice.
And now, as the Greatest Of All Time(GOAT) debate heats up, Toni Nadal has given his overview on the rivalry.
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Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
In his column for the Spanish daily, El Pais, Toni Nadal said that after Djokovic’s Roland Garros triumph, the GOAT debate has intensified. The Grand Slam title count has never been this close and hence the next two Grand Slams at Wimbledon and US Open will be key to the debate.
“We saw a good game and a denouement that brings Novak dangerously close to Federer and Rafael, in their struggle to close their respective careers as the greatest conqueror of Grand Slam titles. The next two tournaments, Wimbledon and the US Open, will likely be decisive in unveiling it.”
Moreover, the legendary coach was also confident about the chances of his nephew, Rafael Nadal, in the next two Grand Slams. He reckons Rafa could lift one of the next two Grand Slams.
“I would not dare to venture conclusions, but I do dare to maintain the confidence that it is my nephew who raises one of the two.”
(Quotes have been translated)
Reuters
Novak Djokovic shakes hands with Rafael Nadal at French Open 2021. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
Roger Federer comments on his Grand Slam race with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
Recently, Federer finally graced the grass-court again after two years and he was asked about Djokovic‘s scintillating performances at the French Open, especially against Nadal and Tsitsipas. Furthermore, Federer also was tight-lipped but confident about the Grand Slam race between him and his two rivals.
“The way Djokovic came back against Tsitsipas was amazing. Even in the SF vs Nadal, there were unbelievable rallies.”
“As long as we play, anything is possible,” Federer on the Grand Slam race.
Djokovic is recreating and setting new records at each tournament. But still, he has the all-time Grand Slam record in sight. The Serbian could very well jump his rivals if he wins the next two Grand Slams. But as Toni thinks, Nadal could challenge Djokovic and Federer and might as well be a force at Wimbledon Championships 2021.
Read more: Andy Murray Opens Up on the GOAT Debate Between Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic
