Novak Djokovic ‘doesn’t agree’ with Rafael Nadal’s ‘frustrated’ comment
Novak Djokovic has responded to claims that Rafael Nadal, who leads the Grand Slam race, is “stronger”, a claim strongly denied by the Serb.
Djokovic followed Nadal earlier this year when the Spaniard led the men’s major record with 22 titles.
However, Djokovic has widened his lead after winning this year’s Australian Open, Roland Garros and US Open, now leading by two points over his biggest rival.
🏆🙏🏼2️⃣4️⃣💜💛 #USOpen pic.twitter.com/HqWvI14E1c
– Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) 11. September 2023
This is what Nadal said in a recent interview with Movistar+, suggesting that Djokovic cares more about the record books than himself.
“I’m not frustrated for one simple reason: I did everything within my means to make things work for me.” Nadal said in September.
He added: “I think Novak feels more strongly about that than I do.” It could have been a bigger frustration for him if he hadn’t been able to accomplish that. Perhaps that’s why he did it. I think he had the ability to push his ambitions to the maximum. I was also ambitious, but I think now that I’m a little healthier I’ve been able to see things from a different perspective. ”
And now, Djokovic has responded to Nadal’s “viral” comment, saying that he “of course does not agree” with the former world No. 1’s proposal.
“I saw his comment go viral and a lot of people talking about it,” Djokovic said. “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, how they interpret others in a particular context, etc.”
The world No. 1 continued as follows. Rafa is a great champion and I respect and appreciate him as a great champion, as my biggest rival and as a player who helped shape my game and the results I achieved.
“I don’t mean to speak negatively about him or Roger Federer. My respect for them outweighs any negative opinion I have.” That is also Rafa’s opinion, and of course I i disagree. I have an opinion, but I don’t want to dig into it so I won’t share it. There’s no need for that. ”
Nadal missed three of the four major tournaments this year due to a psoas injury, but plans to make a comeback at next year’s Australian Open.
In the baseline…
It’s not surprising that Djokovic disagrees with Nadal’s claims, but his response was delivered in the best way possible to defuse any potential drama. Nadal’s comments are subjective, so it’s difficult to give an opinion on how true they are, but there’s no denying that Djokovic is keen to make history. He has publicly acknowledged that, and he continues to do so this year.
Read more – Novak Djokovic’s schedule: Where will the 24-time Grand Slam winner play next?
Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal at Grand Slams
As these comments fuel a debate among fans over the “GOAT” debate, we at Tennishead analyzed their respective records in major tournaments.
| Australian Open Titles | Roland Garros Titles | Wimbledon Titles | US Open Titles | Total Grand Slam titles | |
| Novak Djokovic | 10 (92% matches won) | 3 (85% matches won) | 7 (89% matches won) | 4 (87% matches won) | 24 (88% matches won) |
| Rafael Nadal | 2 (83% matches won) | 14 (97% matches won) | 2 (83% matches won) | 4 (85% matches won) | 22 (88% matches won) |
Head-to-head
Overall head-to-head: Djokovic 30-29 Nadal
Grand Slam Match: Djokovic 7 – 11 Nadal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKfVLwvaCT0[/embed]
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