Longtime rival Novak Djokovic was praised by Rafael Nadal on Wednesday as the greatest player in tennis history.
When questioned, “Who is the best?” Rafael Nadal responded, “The numbers say yes, for me yes (he is the greatest in
history),” in an interview with El Objective de La Sexta.
Djokovic won the French Open the previous year, surpassing Rafael Nadal’s record of 22 Grand Slam victories to
reach 24.
Even with that achievement, the contentious Serbian world No. 1 still finds it difficult to convert his victories on the
court into off-court renown.
“The image he projects is worse than he really is; I think he’s a good person,” said Nadal.
“There are times when I get frustrated. Although Novak breaks his racquet, he is back to playing at his best the
following point, which is the best I have ever witnessed.”
Due to injury, 37-year-old Rafael Nadal missed almost all of 2023. Before missing the Australian Open last month,
he suffered another injury.
As his career came to an end, Rafael Nadal praised his 20-year-old compatriot and heir, Carlos Alcaraz, who had
already won two major championships.
“Carlos has an incredible level of tennis, he is a super complete player in every sense,” stated Nadal.
“He doesn’t seem to have the same vulnerabilities that I did when I was his age. He possesses every element needed
for a fantastic career.”
John McEnroe acknowledges that Saudi Arabia will inevitably have a greater impact on tennis, but the American is
concerned that the nation’s desire to host the 10th Masters tournament may increase player and spectator fatigue.
One of the most ardent critics of Saudi Arabia’s big-money foray into tennis, the outspoken New Yorker called the
women’s tour’s possible engagement with the nation “laughable”.
