Nadal: “Djokovic is the Greatest Player in History”
Nadal: “Djokovic is the Greatest Player in History”
With 22 Grand Slam titles to his name, Rafael Nadal has acknowledged that Novak Djokovic is the greatest player in tennis history, thanks to the remarkable records he has achieved.
In an interview with the El Objective program, Nadal reflected on key aspects of his career, including his famous rivalries with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Nadal remarked that Djokovic is often perceived more negatively than he deserves:
“Djokovic is much better than his public image suggests. Perhaps he tries to project himself because of his immense success. He might smash a racket, but then immediately plays at 100% in the next point. That’s why he holds the most records. I’ve said it many times: numbers don’t lie, and Djokovic is the greatest player in history.”
Currently, Nadal and Djokovic are the two most successful players in Grand Slam history, with 22 and 24 titles, respectively.
“Big 3” and a Historic Rivalry
Nadal reflected on how the “Big 3”—himself, Djokovic, and Federer—shared the tennis stage for much of their careers, pushing each other to new heights while fiercely competing. He said:
“We paved the way for one another and always found ways to improve. During our prime, the ‘Big 3’ were nearly unbeatable.”
Regarding his relationship with Federer, Nadal revealed that they are close friends who have supported each other throughout their careers. Federer recently visited Nadal’s tennis academy in Mallorca.
Plans for Retirement
Nadal admitted that injuries over the past two years have significantly affected his career plans. At 37, he is trying to train and compete more cautiously but remains realistic about his physical condition:
“I will eventually have to make the final decision. I don’t want to keep playing if I’m not physically ready.”
Nadal plans to prioritize clay-court tournaments in 2024, which might be his final competitive season. He also confirmed his participation in Indian Wells, a special tournament for him, where he has won three titles and received immense support from Spanish-speaking fans.
Life After Tennis
Nadal shared that he has consulted a sports psychologist twice during his 20-year career but hasn’t faced significant mental health issues. He encouraged open conversations about mental health, saying:
“Mental health should be discussed as openly as physical health. Just as you see a doctor for an injured foot, seeking psychological help is equally important.”
After retiring, Nadal hasn’t made concrete plans but looks forward to enjoying life with his family. He currently runs multiple tennis academies, is skilled at golf, and has business ventures in various fields. He jokingly added:
“I’d love to be the president of Real Madrid, but of course, that’s not in the plans!”
Tennis Ambassador in Saudi Arabia
Recently, Nadal became a tennis ambassador for Saudi Arabia, but he dismissed rumors of a massive financial deal:
“I don’t have financial needs, so that’s not the focus here. Yes, they are paying me, but there’s no mega-deal involved. I believe in promoting tennis, and I’ve always trusted that sports and education can transform lives. What I’m doing in Saudi Arabia aligns with those values.”
