World No. 1 Novak Djokovic still believes that he can finish his career with the all-time Grand Slam record. Djokovic, seeded at No. 1, was badly beaten in the French Open final as No. 2 seed Rafael Nadal won 6-2 6-0 7-5 to lift his 13th title at the French Open.
With his 13th French Open title, Nadal tied Roger Federer on the all-time Grand Slam record list with 20 Majors captured. “If I thought that it was too late, I would have ended my career today. But I do not think it is too late, I will keep on going as long as I have fuel in my legs and love and desire towards the sport,” Djokovic said, per Tennis Majors.
“One defeat, even though it is in a Grand Slam final, cannot destabilise me. I have developed a rather “thick skin”, I do not allow myself to be disturbed by various speculations. Myself and Nadal, and especially Federer – we have been written off many times, people were sending us into retirement, but we keep coming back and proving that we are the best in the world despite all the pressure”.
Nadal and Federer three Grand Slam wins ahead of Djokovic
Djokovic, 34, has 17 Grand Slam titles to his name. After equaling Federer’s record, Nadal admitted he would love to finish his career with the all-time Grand Slam record.
“I never hide that for me, I always say the same, that I would love to finish my career being the player with more Grand Slams. No doubt about that, no? But in the other hand I say, okay, I have to do my way,” Nadal said in his press conference, per Max Gao.
Meanwhile, Federer congratulated Nadal on winning his 20th Major title. “I have always had the utmost respect for my friend Rafa as a person and as a champion. As my greatest rival over many years, I believe we have pushed each other to become better players,” Federer wrote on Twitter.
“Therefore, it is a true honour for me to congratulate him on his 20th Grand Slam victory. It is especially amazing that he has now won Roland Garros an incredible 13 times, which is one of the greatest achievements in sport,” Federer wrote.
“I also congratulate his team, because nobody can do this alone. I hope 20 is just another step on the continuing journey for both of us. Well done, Rafa. You deserve it”.
