Rafael Nadal is not denying the declare that he might have received extra Grand Slams had he stayed more healthy all through his profession however insists that he’s comfortable along with his success and that ending behind Novak Djokovic within the Grand Slam race is not making him any much less comfortable along with his achievements.
When the 38-year-old confirmed earlier this month that this was his final season on the professional degree, the Serb grew to become assured to complete forward of the Spaniard within the Slam battle. After profitable back-to-back Majors initially of 2022, the Spanish tennis icon improved to 22 Slams and he was two Majors forward of the Serb and Roger Federer. However since then, Nadal has appeared in simply two Grand Slams as a result of main damage points whereas Djokovic added 4 Majors to his assortment to enhance to get to 24 titles in that class.
For the reason that Spaniard did not get to play a lot during the last two years and be a contender for Slams, some argue the scenario might have been totally different had he been wholesome sufficient to repeatedly compete. Even Toni Nadal prompt that his nephew might have received extra on the most important stage if he did not battle damage points all through his profession. Now, the file 14-time French Open winner himself answered that query.
“Perhaps, however… In the long run it’s apparent that I’ve missed out greater than all my rivals, when it comes to possibilities of profitable Grand Slams, however the actuality is that this has occurred to me. I’m by no means one to assume ‘if I had achieved it’ or ‘if I hadn’t had’ (these accidents). It has been like this and, with it, I’ve had a profession that I’d by no means have imagined and I’m very happy. I’ve spoken about it with Federer lately, with Carlos (Alcaraz) and his household right here one morning the opposite day,” Nadal instructed Diario AS.
“You need to be one of the best when you’re in competitors, as a result of it’s the nature of sport. I’ve needed to be one of the best or at the least I’ve needed to attempt to be one of the best. However that has by no means led me to have an obsession with it. My want has at all times been as a private problem, of desirous to be one of the best as a result of my very own motivation and enchancment. I imagine in having a superb and massive ambition, however on the identical time wholesome.”
Nadal reveals particulars from his current dialog with Federer
When the Swiss tennis icon introduced his retirement in 2022 September, it was clear that each Nadal and Djokovic would end forward of him within the Grand Slam race. Since his retirement, the Serb added three Majors to his assortment and have become the primary male participant ever with 24 Slams. Nevertheless, in accordance with the Spaniard, each he and the 43-year-old Swiss are extraordinarily comfortable and happy with that they’ve been in a position to obtain and their Serbian tennis star ending forward of them would not make them pissed off.
“And I mentioned it the opposite day talking with Federer. Sure, it’s true that when you’re in the course of the race and competing, you need to win. However you get to the top of your profession and, actually, I am not even the slightest bit extra happy than Federer for having 22 (Grand Slam titles) and he 20. And I do not assume I might be any extra happy or comfortable if I have been 25, yet one more than (Novak’s) 24. I say this from the guts,” Nadal added.
“After all I might prefer to be 25, undoubtedly, as a result of that is what sport is about, attempting to be one of the best. Nevertheless, when it is over, you worth what it has been all collectively, not whether or not it has been a bit of bit extra. I feel you worth that ultimately you’ve got managed to present your finest, reside, make one in every of your childhood hobbies an important a part of your life. And, on high of that, efficiently. I really feel very fortunate, past the accidents. The very fact of getting had all these issues, and I imply it, has made me worth always all of the optimistic issues which have occurred to me. I feel it is allowed me to take pleasure in it.”
This season, Djokovic did not win any Grand Slams and it was the primary season since 2018 that it occurred. Nevertheless, he shut down retirement rumors final week throughout the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh final week and made it clear that he believes he can nonetheless win one other Slam. If that occurs, Djokovic will change into the first-ever tennis participant – male or feminine – with 25 Grand Slams in singles.