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Of: TT
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Photo: Halden Krog / AP / TT
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer met in an exhibition match in South Africa in February. Stock Photography.
Roger Federer paid tribute to Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard broke the Swiss record for the number of Grand Slam titles: 20.
“I hope 20 is just a new step for both of them to continue their journey,” Federer wrote on Twitter.
Nadal claimed his 13th French championship title on Sunday when he defeated world setter Novak Djokovic in three straight sets in the final.
“It is particularly remarkable that he has won an incredible 13 times at Roland Garro, which is one of the greatest achievements in sports,” tweets Federer, who was unable to join the gravel in Paris due to a knee injury.
“I have always had great respect for my friend Rafa as a person and as a champion. As my biggest rival for many years, I think we have pushed each other to become better players.”
Aiming for more titles
The 39-year-old Federer claimed his last Grand Slam title at the Australian Open nearly three years ago. Despite serious injury concerns, the latest of which is a knee operation, he points to another successful year in major tournaments.
Also Nadal, 34 years old.
– I would love to be able to finish my career as the one with the most Grand Slam titles. But it’s not something I will think about if Novak or Roger win. You can’t always be dissatisfied with the neighbor building a bigger house or having a better mobile phone, says Nadal.
Photo: Francois Mori / TT NEWS AGENCY
Djokovic aims for a record
Novak Djokovic, 33, also has the Grand Slam title record in sight. Right now it has 17 pieces.
– If I thought I could not succeed, I would quit today. Me, Nadal and Federer have been counted many times, but we keep coming back and showing that we are still the best in the world. My goal remains the same: most Grand Slam titles and weeks ranked number one, says Djokovic.
It is now starting its 289th week as number one in the world. Federer is older, 310 weeks. Nadal continues to have second place in the ranking.
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