For two decades, tennis was always about Roger Federer against Rafael Nadal. However, the evolution of the game brought with it fresh talent in the name of Novak Djokovic. The Serbian is busy crushing Grand Slam wins set by Nadal and Federer.
Both Nadal and Federer have won 20 Grand Slam men’s singles titles each and Djokovic has 20 Grand Slam titles too.
However, Djokovic has managed to accumulate these wins by playing against many tennis players, unlike Nadal and Federer.
Novac Djokovic. Photo/ TENNIS PHOTO NETWORK
Billie Jean King Speaks
Both players have played against each other for the better part of their careers. If this wasn’t the case, they would have won more Grand Slams, Billie Jean King notes.
King, 77, a 12-time Grand Slam champion says that if things were different from the start, Nadal and Federer would have 40 Grand Slam titles to their name.
The former American tennis star hailed Djokovic over his impressive tennis stats. In the 2021 season, Djokovic won three Grand Slams placing him at per with two opponents.
He said that Nadal and Federer competing for a decade was akin to hurting them unknowingly.
“I think Djokovic is going to be the best in titles because when Nadal and Federer competed they hurt each other in that sense.”
King adds that this was the case with tennis stars Martina (Navratilova) and Chris Evert. They beat each other in tennis for decades and ended up with fewer Grand Slams.
“Martina and Chris Evert would have won 40 Grand Slams if one of them hadn’t been on the board,” King adds.
Novak Djokovic News
Djokovic has only lost the US Open this year to bag three Grand Slams in the French Open, Australian Open and Wimbledon. Just recently, he won the last Grand Slam of the season at the Paris Masters.
His 2021 victory placed him at the same level as Nadal and Federer. Interestingly, Nadal and Federer were all out with injury for half of the season.
Roger Federer Injury
Federer had two surgeries on his right knee in 2021. In 2021, he played just 13 matches before undergoing two surgeries that left him benched.
In 2020, he played six matches in 2020 before he developed the knee problem and took a break.
August this year, Federer came clean with his fans confessing that he is not getting back to the court soon as he is scheduled for more knee surgery.
This news broke the tennis world as he self-confessed that the knee issue will keep him off from the game for many months.
Federer a 20-time grand slam champion has been away from the court for a while now nursing the injury.
“I will be on crutches for many weeks and out of the game for many months,” he told his fans.
However, he was optimistic that he will get better and make full recovery. The Swiss tennis star is upbeat about regaining his fitness.
“I want to give myself a glimmer of hope to return to the tour in some shape or form,” added Federer,” he exuded.
He maintained that it is difficult to go through such surgery at his age but is hopeful all will be well.
“I am realistic, don’t get me wrong. I know how difficult it is at my age to go through another surgery. I will try it. I want to be healthy, I want to be running around.
Nadal Injury
The former world No.1 missed out on the US Open after sustaining a left foot injury in August when playing at Citi Open in Washington.
He told his fans last month that he is not sure when he will return to the court.
“I don’t know when I will play again, I work a lot every day, I follow a specific plan with a marked roadmap and with very clear objectives.
He’s however, optimistic he will make full recovery. “I am in a process of recovery, of work, with a progressive increase in loads and the sensations are not measured daily.”
Roger Federer with Rafael Nadal. Photo/Eurosport
Federer Vs Nadal? Who Is A Better Tennis Player?
World No.1 interestingly gave his two cents on who between Federer and Nadal is a star player on a neutral surface.
“I think actually one of the best I think images that I’ve ever seen from tennis is them playing on a half-grass, half-clay court. I thought that was fantastic. Whoever came up with the idea was genius. As a tennis fan, I enjoyed that very much.”
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