"If Novak wins 23 and I stay with 22, I think my happiness will not change at all, not even 1 percent" - Rafael Nadal on possibility of Novak Djokovic eclipsing his Grand Slam tally
Rafael Nadal won his 14th French Open title on Sunday, beating Casper Ruud in straight sets in the final. He overcame injuries and niggles to become the oldest Roland Garros winner of all time, further cementing his status as the King of Clay.
Appearing on CNN in an interview with Christiane Amanpour, the 22-time Grand Slam champion spoke about his Grand Slam tally and his rivalry with Novak Djokovic. He stated that he would not be affected one bit if the Serb were to leapfrog him in the Slam race one day.
"Honestly, it is not something that bothers me if Novak wins 23 and I stay with 22. I think my happiness will not change at all. Not even one percent," Nadal said.
Nadal also feels it is more difficult to match his tally of 14 French Open titles than 22 Grand Slams.
"Difficult to say that for my self but, I mean, I always have something in mind that I always considered myself a very normal guy. So if I did it, somebody else can do it. But it's obvious that the record of 22 Grand Slams is something much more possible, that somebody increase that record. I'm sure that's going to happen. I mean, 14 Roland Garros is something, I mean, very difficult," Nadal continued.
“I always considered myself a very normal guy. So if I did it, somebody else can do it”
@rafaelnadal tells me that his happiness does not hinge on setting records-- but his record 22 Grand Slams will be difficult to beat. https://t.co/XNlR0A9SBP
"I really don't care that much, I think it doesn't matter" - Rafael Nadal on his claim to the GOAT title
Rafael Nadal was also quizzed on his thoughts on the GOAT debate. The Spaniard is widely considered to be one of the best players of all time, alongside the likes of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
Having now won two more Grand Slams than his rivals, Christiane Amanpour asked the 36-year-old about his opinions on the subject.
"I, honestly, don't think much about that and from the bottom of my heart, I really don't care that much, you know. I think it doesn't matter, you know, I think we've achieved my dreams, I've achieved my dream and I enjoy what I am doing," Nadal said.
While the Spaniard acknowledged that fans and media will continue to debate, he said he is aware of his contributions to the sport and that nothing else mattered.
"Yeah, I understand the question and I know the press and the people are always caring a lot about these stuff but in some way, I know I am in an important part of the history of the sport and that makes me feel proud, happy and at the end, doesn’t matter much," Rafael Nadal said.
"I've achieved my dream," @RafaelNadal tells me following yet another French Open victory.
"I know I am an important part of the history of the sport." https://t.co/gU4Vd0UBVx
Also Check Out :- French Open 2022 Results