Toni Nadal is always ready to share his opinion. Toni is one of the most renowned coaches in the world and introduced his nephew to the game. Rafa has since gone on to win 19 Grand Slam titles in his career. His name is always in the conversation when fans talk about the greatest players to have played the game. Toni, however, has a clear opinion on who is the greatest player to have picked up a tennis racket.
Nadal fighting for the world no. 1 vs. Djokovic
In a recent interview, the 58-year-old said he considers Roger Federer as the greatest player of all time. Toni used the Swiss’ 20 Grand Slam titles as proof that the Swiss was the greatest player ever. He also pointed out the 38-year-old’s record of 310 weeks spent at number one as further evidence of Federer’s greatness. Toni said that Roger’s loss in the final at Wimbledon this year had felt him feeling sad. “You know, Federer’s loss in Wimbledon after 40-15 made me feel very bad. At the end of the day, you have to appreciate your opponent.”
Toni also said that he felt that Nadal’s injury history has prevented him from achieving more in his illustrious career. The Spaniard did not play this week at the Shanghai Masters. He is recovering from a wrist injury he suffered at the Laver Cup. Toni gave an update on the injury and said his nephew is close to full recovery. The 33-year-old is poised to overtake the Serbian at the top of the rankings. The Spaniard leads the world number by 1280 points. Djokovic played in Shanghai and lost in the quarterfinals to Stefanos Tsitsipas. Nadal will move to the number one position if he plays well at the Paris Masters.
Nadal challenging Federer for slams titles
The race to be the best player of all time continues among “The Big Three.” Federer leads the way with 20-Grand Slam titles and the most weeks spent at number one. His records, however, are under threat from Nadal and Djokovic. With both players younger than Federer, they could equal and surpass his tally of 20 titles. Rafa is one major title away from equaling the Swiss while Novak, who has 16-Grand Slam titles, is not far off. The Serbian is also third on the all-time list of most weeks spent at number one. An extended reignat the position could see him equal and surpass Roger’s record of 310 weeks at the top.
Novak Djokovic’s ranking and performance in 2019
Currently ranked no.1, Novak played his last match on the 11th of October when he lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas 3-6 7-5 6-3 in the quarter in Shanghai.
This year Djokovic has a 48-9 win-loss record. The Serbian conquered 4 titles in 2019 at the Australian Open, in Madrid, in Wimbledon and in Tokyo. Novak was the finalist in Rome.
