5 Rafael Nadal records that Novak Djokovic will never break
Rafael Nadal has set and broken many records since turning professional in 2001. The Spaniard refuses to slow down even at the age of 36, and is now gearing up for the 2023 season.
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to ever grace the tennis court. And while Novak Djokovic, the other member of the 'Big 3' along with Roger Federer, has proven his greatness over the years, there are a few Nadal records that will likely never be broken by the Serb.
Here is a look at five of those:
#5. Winning percentage on clay
Rafael Nadal currently holds a record 91.3 winning percentage on clay, with a staggering 474–45 win-loss record. He is known for his near-invincibility on the surface, an idea strengthened by his 14 French Open titles.
Djokovic himself has a commendable 77.4 winning percentage on clay. But with just a few years left in his career, the 35-year-old will find it hard, if not impossible, to beat Nadal's record.
At this year's Roland Garros, the Spaniard beat Djokovic in the quarterfinals en route to winning the title.
#4. Most titles at one Grand Slam
Of the 22 Grand Slam titles that Nadal has won over the years, 14 of them have come at the French Open.
With 21 Majors to his name, Djokovic might well beat the Spaniard in terms of total Grand Slam titles. But will likely find it impossible to break the record for most titles won at a single Slam.
The Serbian's best record at a Major is nine Australian Open titles, which is also a record Down Under.
#3. Highest winning percentage at French Open
Nadal holds a whopping 97.4% win rate at the French Open, including an 81-match winning streak at the event from 2005 to 2007. The Spaniard has only tasted defeat thrice at the tournament during his entire career.
Meanwhile, Djokovic has an 84% win rate at Roland Garros, his worst across all Majors. It's safe to say that the Serb will never overtake Nadal in this particular statistic.
#2. Youngest to complete Career Grand Slam
Nadal's 2010 US Open win also saw him achieve a Career Grand Slam at the age of 24. It took him just 26 appearances across all Majors to pull off the feat.
Djokovic, on the other hand, had to compete in 46 Majors to finally compete the Career Grand Slam, which he did at the 2016 French Open (aged 29).
#1. Most consecutive weeks in top 10 of ATP rankings
Rafael Nadal got into the top 10 of the ATP rankings in 2005 and has not left since. In total, he has spent a total of 895 weeks in the top 10.
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic's longest streak in the top 10 has been 555 consecutive weeks, from 2007 to 2017.