Nadal shares feelings on being two Grand Slams behind Djokovic in GOAT race

Rafael Nadal set for 2024 farewell after pulling out of French Open

Rafael Nadal says he is “satisfied” with everything he has done in tennis despite falling behind Novak Djokovic in the career Grand Slam race. The Spaniard admits that his Serbian rival is the best player in tennis history, at least, in terms of overall achievements.

Djokovic leads Nadal and Roger Federer for Grand Slams and major titles (Grand Slams, ATP Finals, Masters 1000s, and Olympic golds). The 36-year-old has won 69 titles (24 Grand Slams), compared to Nadal’s 59 (22 Grand Slams) and Federer’s 55 (20 Grand Slams).

He told AS Diario: “I have said it when I was the one who won the most Slams, I said it when we were tied. I say it now that I am behind. I am not going to be the one who tries, through a personal struggle, to want to be what I am not. What is, is. And what is not, is not. I say this, I am very satisfied with everything I have done.

“Then, as always, everyone can combine the story as they wish, saying that I have suffered many injuries. Bad luck for me or bad luck that I had my body this way. He has had another one and in some ways that is also part of the sport. I congratulate you for everything you are achieving and that does not cause me any type of frustration.”

“I believe that numbers are numbers and statistics are statistics, and in that sense, I think he has better numbers than mine and that is indisputable. I don’t drop any rings nor do I have an ego big enough to try to disguise a reality that is not,” he added.

“This is the truth. The rest are tastes, inspiration, sensations that one or the other may transmit to you, that you may like one or the other more.”

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Nadal has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, particularly in the past 12 months. A combination of psoas (hip flexor), hip and foot issues have forced him to sit out the majority of the 2023 season – including missing the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open. 

He is expected to retire at the end of next season but has admitted that he may reconsider his decision should he exceed his own expectations of the level he is able to compete at. Nadal underwent an arthroscopic hip surgery in June to address problems with his psoas and hip labrum.

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