A happy Rafael Nadal was all smiles and laughter after winning another French Open title. Both Nadal and Roger Federer downplayed the fact that they are equal in terms of Grand Slams won, for the first time in the 16 years of their epic rivalry.
However, Nadal corrected an interviewer Sunday who mistakenly gave Novak Djokovic an extra Grand Slam title. The interviewer asked Nadal about the Grand Slam career with Federer and Djokovic, who is three titles behind him and Federer.
He asked Nadal the importance of tying Federer at 20 Grand Slams, with Djokovic at 18. In a lighthearted moment, Nadal quickly corrected the interviewer and pointed out that Djokovic has 17 Grand Slams.
“Please don’t give Novak an extra punch that he’s going to beat us, ”Nadal He said with a laugh. The interviewer corrected himself, admitting that he made a mistake. Nadal then taunted him even more, asking him if he had an idea that Djokovic would beat him in the 2020 French Open final and reach 18 slams.
Interviewer: “now the race is 20, 20, 18”
Rafa: “don’t give Novak an extra one that is going to beat us” 😂Smile and laugh 🥰 pic.twitter.com/4fuSkOzUeF
– monse 💕 Good morning 😁 20 | 13 (@coachdal) October 11, 2020
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer share a moment of respect
Along with their rivalry, Nadal and Federer are known for their camaraderie and friendship. With an elegant touch, Nadal chose not to focus on tying Federer’s record, when asked about it on the court.
Federer posted a message for Nadal shortly after the Spaniard’s victory. He admitted Nadal’s achievement and said he is happy to share the record with his biggest rival.
Later, at his press conference, Nadal confessed that the records definitely mean a lot to him. Especially something so big. At the same time, it is not something you would like to think about all the time.
Nadal’s thoughts on the Grand Slam career
“I never hid it from myself, I would love to finish my career as the player with the most Grand Slams. No doubt about that. Of course, I care about the records. It means a lot to me to share this number [20] with Roger ” Nadal said.
“But, you know I don’t want to think about them all the time. Novak has this one, Roger has the other. You can’t always be unhappy because your neighbor has a bigger house than you or a better phone. Nadal added.
Looking at how strong the ‘Big 3’ of men’s tennis continues to be, they seem ready to add to their already incredible Grand Slam scores. It is highly likely that Federer will resume his attempt to regain his lead in the 2021 Australian Open record.
