“25 to 30 Grand Slams” Patrick Mouratoglou believes Novak Djokovic will overtake Rafael Nadal in the race for most majors, dismisses Roger Federer from GOAT race
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Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer
Novak Djokovic recaptured his place at the top of the ATP rankings on 21st March 2022 as Daniil Medvedev‘s third-round exit at the 2022 Indian Wells Masters was not enough to keep him at the top for another week as he and Novak exchange places in the rankings after the tournament in Indian Wells ended. This guarantees Novak his 362 and 363rd week as the World No. 1 extending his lead furthermore with Roger Federer second in the list with 310 weeks.
While Novak continues to reign supreme in the rankings, he fell behind in the race for most majors after the 2022 Australian Open when Rafael Nadal defied all odds to claim Grand Slam number 21 and take the lead against Federer and Djokovic who are now in a two-way tie with 20 majors each. Novak had won 3 majors last year and lost in the finals of the 2021 US Open.
Had he been allowed for the Australian Open this year, things would have been different. But that does not stop tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou from picking Novak as the favourite to end up as the GOAT when he bids adieu to the game. In a recent Instagram video, he spoke about how Novak’s fitness can help him to play and that will see him end up with the most majors.
“Until this last Australian Open, Novak was by far in pole position. He is the youngest of the three, he has won an average of two Grand Slam titles a year over the past four seasons. He can easily play three or four more years because he is in excellent physical condition. That could take him to 25 or 30 Grand Slam titles,” said Patrick through his recent post on his official Instagram handle.
“Novak Djokovic will feel pressure at Wimbledon if Rafa wins French Open”: Patrick Mouratoglou
While Roger was the first to reach the 20-slam mark, he was unable to win the title no. 21 despite having championship points at the 2019 Wimbledon Finals where he lost to Novak and has not reached a Grand Slam final since then. Even Djokovic had a chance to win his 21st major at the 2021 US Open but a straight-set defeat by Medvedev ruined his chances. Nadal however did not make the mistake and in his first attempt to win the 21st Slam, he was successful.
“Roger’s last Grand Slam title was back in 2017. He has played only 3 tournaments in the last 2 years and has already announced that he will not play at Wimbledon this year. He will most probably stay stuck at 20 Grand Slam titles. But, since the last Australian Open, Rafa is back to a comfortable position. He is leading in the race for most Grand Slam titles with 21, one more than Novak and Roger.
“The next Grand Slam will be Roland Garros and Rafa has won 7 of the last 10 French Open. It is still unclear if Novak will be playing in Paris and if Rafa wins French, Novak will be in high pressure in Wimbledon as he will feel that he has to win,” added Patrick further hinting that the race is now only between Rafa and Novak and he does not see Roger win any more majors in the future.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)