Toni Nadal made a bold statement regarding Rafael Nadal’s status in the greatest of all time debate with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
Between January 2022 and June 2023, the Spaniard was the male player who owned the most number of Grand Slam titles at 22, before he was surpassed by Novak Djokovic.
The 38-year-old achieved plenty of success on every surface and revolutionised the game with his swashbuckling style and immense mental fortitude.
He played and approached the game unlike any other player and resonated with fans in a special way.
Rafael Nadal is unquestionably in the conversation for the greatest player of all time, and his uncle and former coach thinks he would be rated even higher had it not been for one thing.
Toni Nadal shares his reason for why Rafael Nadal did not win as much as Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer
Nadal has won plenty of titles throughout his illustrious career on the ATP Tour, but his biggest rivals Roger Federer and Djokovic have claimed more.
He has 92 titles to his name, while Djokovic has 99 and Federer owns 103, a number only bettered by Jimmy Connors with 109.
While Nadal has more Grand Slams than the Swiss Maestro, Djokovic has claimed 24 and will aim for a 25th next season.
Toni Nadal, who witnessed many of his nephew’s triumphs in person, thinks Nadal would have an even stronger case to be considered the greatest player if he did not suffer as many injuries throughout his career.
“Who played better? Federer. Who is the best? Djokovic. Because Djokovic won more titles than the others. Who could be the best without injuries? My nephew,” he told Euronews.
“But he has injuries so at the end, the best is Djokovic. So in my opinion, from what I have seen on court, when Federer plays, no one beats him.”
When is Rafael Nadal due to play tennis again?
Following his exploits at the Paris Olympics, 12-time French Open winner Nadal will be back in action at the seventh edition of the Laver Cup.
It will take place from September 20-22 in Berlin, Germany and he will represent Team Europe for the fourth time on a squad that includes his compatriot and Olympics doubles partner Carlos Alcaraz.
“I am very happy to be playing the Laver Cup in Berlin for Team Europe,” said Nadal. “I have some really special memories from my Laver Cup experiences, including all the emotions from London two years ago playing alongside Roger for the last time.”
“At this stage in my career I really want to go out there and make the most of every opportunity I am given.
“Teaming up is always an incredible experience and I have always enjoyed it, the competition is different and exciting. I’m looking forward to going to Berlin and helping Team Europe win back the Laver Cup.”
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