There has been an ongoing talk in tennis about who is the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) after the incredible results achieved by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.
It is widely and arguably believed that tennis greatness is measured by the number of slam times. Following this criterion, in the men’s side, the actual “GOAT” is Roger Federer with 20 slams. However, after his recent run at the Flushing Meadows, Rafael Nadal has now 19 majors under his belt, and therefore he has a shot at Roger’s record.
Rod Laver and Rafael Nadal
It was Rod Laver to have the pleasure of handing the US Open to Rafael Nadal. Later the Australian legend tweeted his congratulation to Rafael Nadal saying
“Congratulations @RafaelNadal, a gutsy victory to claim your 19th Major, 4th crown and 2nd Slam title this year after the French. Stand tall friend, you are closing in, it was a privilege to present this trophy to you tonight.”
At the end of the message, Laver added a Rocket (his nickname) and a GOAT. Was he talking about the 2 people in the picture?
Congratulations @RafaelNadal, a gutsy victory to claim your 19th Major, 4th @usopen crown and 2nd Slam title this year after the French. Stand tall friend, you are closing in, it was a privilege to present this trophy to you tonight.🚀🐐 pic.twitter.com/p6yIzYQULX
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) September 9, 2019
Rafael Nadal’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.2, the Spaniard played his last match on the 8th of September when he beat Daniil Medvedev 7-5 6-3 5-7 4-6 6-4 in the final in U.S. Open to win his 84th career title.
This year Nadal has a 47-6 win-loss record. Rafael has won 4 titles in 2019 in Rome, at the French Open, in Montreal and at the U.S. Open. Rafael was the finalist at the Australian Open.
