There were three, but now Rafael Nadal is “alone”.
By winning the Australian Open on Sunday (30), after an epic final with Daniil Medvedev, the Spaniard won his 21st Grand Slam title, one more than Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
The three were tied for 20 titles, but after overcoming a long foot injury, Nadal is now a notch above the members of tennis’ “Big Three”.
However, while he acknowledged the feat of winning his record-breaking Grand Slam title, Nadal admitted that it doesn’t change his view of his career or legacy.
“No, I don’t want to change my point of view, honestly. Of course, for me, it’s amazing to win another Grand Slam at this point in my career. It means a lot to me,” he told reporters.
“I feel honored. I feel lucky to have achieved one more very special thing in my tennis career. I don’t really care whether or not I’m the best in history. Honestly, today, I don’t really care,” Nadal said.
“For me, it’s about enjoying nights like tonight. That means everything to me. It means even more than winning the second Australian Open, more than anything else.”
So, with Nadal looking to be getting back to his best tennis, with Federer continuing to struggle with injuries and questions about Djokovic’s participation in future events due to his Covid-19 vaccination status, what the future may hold for the stars. of the sport?
“I am proud to share this era with you”
Nadal, Federer and Djokovic have lit up tennis in recent years, battling each other on multiple occasions and delivering some famous encounters.
Both Federer and Djokovic were quick to congratulate Nadal on social media after his victory on Sunday.
“What a game! To my friend and great rival (Nadal), my heartfelt congratulations on becoming the first man to win 21 Grand Slam titles,” Federer wrote on Instagram.
“A few months ago, we were joking about both of them being on crutches. Amazing. Never underestimate a great champion. His incredible work ethic, dedication and fighting spirit are an inspiration to me and countless others around the world.”
“I am proud to share this era with you and honored to play a role in pushing you to achieve more, as you have done for me over the past 18 years. I’m sure you have more achievements ahead, but for now enjoy this one!”, concluded the multi-champion.
Djokovic wrote on Twitter: “Congratulations to (Nadal) on the 21st GS. Incredible achievement. Always impressive fighting spirit that prevailed again. Medvedev gave his all and played with the passion and determination we expect of him.”
Federer, 40, is struggling with a knee injury, which is why he is absent from the courts.
World number one Djokovic, arguably the favorite to win the tournament before, was deported from Australia after losing a court challenge to the country’s government’s decision to cancel his visa on grounds of public health and order.
The second Grand Slam of the year is the French Open, Roland Garros, which starts on May 22.
Nadal, now back in top form, is sure to be the big favorite on Paris’ clay courts, having won a record 13 French Open titles.
Djokovic’s availability for the grand slam in France is still in doubt, as the country’s Sports Ministry told CNN in early January that all professional athletes wishing to compete in the country will have to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
France’s vaccine law, passed by parliament in January, will require people to have a vaccine certificate to enter public places such as restaurants, cafes, cinemas and sports arenas.
“The rule is simple. The vaccine pass will be required as soon as the law comes into force in institutions that were already subject to the health pass (sports or cultural). This will apply to everyone (spectators, professional sportsmen),” the ministry spokeswoman told CNN.
This new legislation jeopardizes the chances of Djokovic, who has not been vaccinated against Covid-19, competing at Roland Garros.
Nadal and Federer are both older than Djokovic, 34 – Nadal is 35 and Federer is 40 – meaning the Serb has time on his side to try to catch up with the Spaniard.
But with a new crop of tennis superstars flourishing at the moment – with Medvedev at the forefront alongside Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud and Felix Auger-Aliassime, among others – staying at the top has never been harder for top tennis players. of all time.
See images of Rafael Nadal’s victory at the Australian Open
Source: CNN Brasil
I’m James Harper, a highly experienced and accomplished news writer for World Stock Market. I have been writing in the Politics section of the website for over five years, providing readers with up-to-date and insightful information about current events in politics. My work is widely read and respected by many industry professionals as well as laymen.
