Novak Djokovic: Rafael Nadal 'one of the most impactful people of my career'

28.05.2023 - 09:19 thenationalnews.com

Novak Djokovic said a part of him would leave with Rafael Nadal if the Spanish great retires next year, but joked that he will not miss him at the French Open.

Nadal, who has not played since the Australian Open in January due to a hip injury, announced last week that he is not fit enough to defend his Roland Garros title while also revealing that 2024 could be his last season on tour.

The Spaniard has dominated the French Open throughout his career, winning 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles on the Paris clay while amassing a remarkable 112-3 win-loss record.

Two of those three losses have come against Djokovic, although he has beaten the Serb on eight other occasions at Roland Garros. "Honestly, I don't miss him being in the draw.

tennis French Open Career Rafael Nadal Roland Garros Novak Djokovic France Spain Australia

Eurosport expert Mats Wilander has hailed French Open champion Novak Djokovic as the men's BOAT — best of all time — and has explained why he hates the term GOAT. Djokovic beat Casper Ruud in straight sets on Sunday to lift his 23rd Grand Slam title, more than any player in history on the men’s tour. Ad It has led to a lot of discussions about whether Djokovic has moved ahead of fellow 'Big Three' members Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the battle to be crowned the greatest of all time.

All-conquering Novak Djokovic moves into house that Rafael Nadal built

N o longer the polite and begrudging ripple of applause. No longer the soft shuffle of designer shoes towards the exits. This time the sound of triumph would be resounding and unqualified: from the plush seats where Zlatan Ibrahimović and Tom Brady were on their feet, to the windswept upper tiers where the cascade of Serbian flags caught the evening Parisian light. Roland Garros, and by extension the lineage of men’s tennis, is now the house of Novak Djokovic.

Has Novak Djokovic won the most Grand Slams? Has he won more than Serena Williams? Is he the GOAT?

Novak Djokovic won his 23rd Grand Slam title after beating Casper Ruud to secure the 2023 French Open. Djokovic is now one ahead of long-time rival Rafael Nadal in the standings and three ahead of Roger Federer. Ad But does Djokovic now hold the men’s record? And what about the all-time record? And is he the GOAT? Roland-Garros'He's not done yet!' — Ruud backs Djokovic to add to his 23 Grand Slam victories36 MINUTES AGO Does Djokovic hold the Grand Slam record? For the first time in his career, Djokovic is the outright leader for the most Grand Slams won by a male tennis player.

French Open: Classy Rafael Nadal congratulates Novak Djokovic on 'impossible to think about' 23rd Grand Slam

Rafael Nadal has once again demonstrated how gracious he is with a classy congratulatory message to his great rival Novak Djokovic, who clinched his 23rd Grand Slam title at the French Open. The 36-year-old sealed another historic Grand Slam title and his third at Roland-Garros on Sunday as he defeated fourth seed Casper Ruud in straight sets, 7-6(1) 6-3 7-5, to move ahead of Nadal and his 22 majors.