Spaniard Rafael Nadal, who became the most successful Grand Slam tennis player with 21 trophies – compared to 20 for Djokovic and Federer – winning the Australian Open on Sunday, said he would love to keep that record or even improve .
“Do I want to be the one to win the most Grand Slam titles at the end of the match between the three of us (Federer, Djokovic)? Because yes, let’s be clear, he is among the three of us. “Yes, I would very much like that to happen,” he told the No. 5 press conference in Mallorca, returning to his native island after Australia’s imposing triumph.
“Does that bother me?” Will I be disappointed if I do not? No, not at all “, he moderated, however, clarifying that” he did not believe that 21 titles are enough to remain the one who will have the most “.
The former No. 1 in the world was also happy once again that he was “able to taste high level sports again” during the Australian Open, just a few months after his leg surgery.
He gave an amazing battle almost at 5:30 p.m. in Sunday’s final against Daniil Medvedev, he won 2-6, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5, as he had to stop for more than four months to heal an injury in left foot and coronavirus infection late last year as he began his return.
“It was an unforgettable experience, I was able to enjoy the sport at the highest level again, something that was very difficult for me to imagine a few weeks ago,” said Nadal. It was very special to play with the best again, it was vital for me and for me to think about the future. »
“The situation was dramatic for me, but it allowed me to play with less expectations, in complete relaxation, with lust and joy,” explained the man who said he was the first to be surprised by his victory.
” Expiration date “
“Some time ago, I would have signed with both hands to be able to play tennis without even winning anything, and now I have 21 titles,” he said.
Anyone who is described as lucky in life believes that “Federer like Djokovic, like me, got what we wanted most, guys.”
“My ambition has never been excessive, it is healthy. What motivates me is to do what I do. I like to train, I like to compete and I enjoy doing what I do. “I know there is an expiration date and it will not last forever, but as long as I can continue to enjoy it, I enjoy it,” he continued.
“The pleasure I have to face opponents my age, in the best stadiums in the world, against the best players in the world, that motivates me,” continued the Spaniard, explaining that these are his feelings and will dictate his presence. or not in the next tournaments.
“My diary is Acapulco, after Indian Wells. As for Indian Wells, I have a very strong determination. “For Acapulco, which is closer, I would like to go there, but I have to analyze all this,” he concluded, recalling that he made his decisions according to what his body allows. To do”.
