Novak Djokovic has edge over Rafael Nadal in GOAT race despite ‘rough year’ – Barbara Schett

Novak Djokovic is in pole position to win the so-called GOAT race for a record number of Grand Slam men’s singles titles in the Open Era, according to Barbara Schett, as the Serbian looks well placed to outlast Rafael Nadal physically. The record is currently held by Nadal, who has claimed 22 major victories during his 17-year career. Ad Djokovic has won 21 Grand Slam titles, but he looks unlikely to get the chance to equal the record at the US Open later this month.

ATP Cincinnati‘It has been a difficult injury' — Nadal loses to Coric in CincinnatiYESTERDAY AT 07:57 Djokovic is on the entry list for Flushing Meadows, which takes place from August 29 to September 11, but is set to be refused entry into the United States due to his Covid-19 vaccination status. Despite the setback, former world No. 7 and US Open quarter-finalist Schett believes that the 35-year-old will bounce back and make history.

“I think now he practices just like if he was going to the US Open. If there's a last-minute change, he's going to be there, and if not, his life will continue,” said the Eurosport expert. “I think Novak will still play for many more years; it looks like that.

His body is fine, he doesn't suffer too many injuries, and I think he will give absolutely everything to go down in the history books by winning the most Grand Slam titles. “Clearly he's not far away. He's only got one more to go, and then he equals Rafa Nadal.