Rafael Nadal recently acknowledged that Novak Djokovic could emerge as the greatest tennis player of all time due to his remarkable health and fitness throughout his career.
The debate surrounding the “greatest of all time” (GOAT) in tennis is a contentious one, with various metrics used to assess greatness. In recent years, Roger Federer has been widely admired for his style and impact on the sport, although he has not matched the achievements of Nadal and Djokovic.
In 2022, Nadal briefly led in the so-called GOAT Race, having won his 14th French Open title and reaching a total of 22 Grand Slam titles. However, in subsequent years, Djokovic’s position as the statistical leader has become clear, as he now holds the most Grand Slam titles, the most weeks ranked as World No. 1 (for both men and women), and the most ATP Masters 1000 titles, among numerous other accolades. He is also an Olympic gold medalist, further solidifying his impressive resume.
In a recent interview, Nadal recognized Djokovic’s superiority, stating, “In the end, he is a player who has managed to maintain a very high level of play and improve every year. The numbers say that he is the best, so his tennis level has also been the best.” Nadal emphasized that Djokovic’s success can largely be attributed to his ability to avoid injuries, which has allowed him to compete at a high level for an extended period.
Nadal pointed out that frequent injuries not only hinder a player’s performance but also create mental barriers. He explained that players who are injury-prone tend to approach the game more cautiously, impacting their performance. In contrast, Djokovic, along with younger players like Carlos Alcaraz, is unafraid to slide on hard courts, a testament to their confidence stemming from their health.
Nadal remarked, “When you have no limitations or major injuries that last for a long time, it affects you physically and gives you options to win, but it also generates a lack of fear on a mental level.” He noted that his own experiences with injuries have led him to adapt his game, seeking alternative strategies to remain competitive.
Ultimately, Nadal concluded that Djokovic’s consistent health has allowed him to maintain a physical and mental edge over his rivals for a longer period. Nevertheless, he made it clear that he does not consider this a justification for his own challenges, reaffirming that Djokovic’s accomplishments are well-deserved and earned through hard work and skill.