Noval Djokovic will overtake Nadal in Slam race because he has more years in front of him, he could get to 25 if COVID doesn't stop him: Arthur Fery
Arthur Fery, currently ranked No. 2 in the first division of the US college tennis rankings, reckons it is Novak Djokovic who will end up with the most Grand Slams to his name. Although the Serb currently trails Rafael Nadal in the Slam count, Fery was confident that the World No. 1 could go on to win a whopping 25 Majors before he retires.
The World No. 1 had the opportunity to leapfrog the Mallorcan in the Slam race at Flushing Meadows last year, but ended up losing to Daniil Medvedev in the final. At the Australian Open, Nadal capitalized on Djokovic's absence to become the first man in tennis history to reach the 21-Slam mark.
Rafael Nadal d. Daniil Medvedev 2-6, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5
For the first time since 2007, he comes back from 0-2 sets down in a Grand Slam
For the first time since 2009, he wins the Australian Open
For the first time ... 21 https://t.co/DQMwvEgk1W
Speaking on the latest episode of The Functional Tennis Podcast, Arthur Fery remarked that the Serb will outdo Nadal in the coming years as long as the pandemic doesn't complicate matters.
"In terms of Grand Slam titles, it is going to be a good battle between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. I think Novak will overtake Rafa because he has more years in front of him and hopefully, COVID doesn't stop him," Fery said. "If COVID doesn't become a problem in the future, Novak could easily get to 25."
In the GOAT debate, however, Arthur Fery said he was leaning towards Roger Federer. Hailing the Swiss maestro as the "most elegant and effortless" player the sport has ever seen, Fery asserted that he will always be the "GOAT of elegance."
Despite that, the Brit said he expected the 40-year-old to retire without winning another Major, ending his career with 20 Slams under his belt.
"Everyone will keep Roger Federer's name in their hearts forever [in the GOAT debate]. He was the most elegant player and the most effortless player to play the game," Fery said. "I think, unfortunately, he won't get past the 20 Grand Slams he has now but he will stay the GOAT of elegance."
Novak Djokovic could catch up with Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros
Novak Djokovic has a very good shot at equaling Rafael Nadal's tally in the Slam race at the upcoming French Open, where he is the defending champion. France has already announced the withdrawal of its vaccine mandates, meaning that the World No. 1 should be allowed to enter the event without any resistance.
"In the current situation, nothing stands in the way of Novak Djokovic's presence at @rolandgarros."
Amelie Mauresmo, tournament director https://t.co/sqrKNIaeM6
Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal is currently recovering from a rib stress fracture that is expected to keep him out for 4-6 weeks. Monte-Carlo Masters has already been removed from his schedule and it is not yet clear when or where he will return to action.
This gives the 20-time Grand Slam champion a much-needed upper hand in terms of preparation for the all-important tournament, which is to be held from May 22 to June 5.
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