Pam Shriver nearly rules out Rafael Nadal overtaking Novak Djokovic for most Grand Slam titles, believes he needs to choose between the French Open and Olympics

Pam Shriver raises concern over Rafael Nadal's next season comeback.

Pam Shriver nearly rules out Rafael Nadal overtaking Novak Djokovic for most Grand Slam titles, believes he needs to choose between the French Open and Olympics

Pam Shriver and Rafael Nadal ( Credits: ESPN Press Room, The Japan Times)

Former American tennis player, Pam Shriver believes that Rafael Nadal will not be able to surpass Novak Djokovic in the Grand Slam race. The Spaniard is looking forward to getting back in shape before the start of the 2024 Australian Open. The next season will most probably be his last season on Tour.

Talking about Rafael Nadal’s coming back into competitive tennis next year, the former World No.3 stated, ” If he really wants to achieve the ultimate goal, which is to have the most Grand Slams, I think it will be very difficult now with what his body has been through. I have a hard time seeing how that’s going to happen.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FPWaqSs1jo

Pam Shriver is of the opinion that the 22-time Grand Slam Champion must choose his tournaments carefully and must give priority to the Roland Garros and the Olympics. She further added, ” I think he will have to choose between Roland‐Garros, the Olympic Games, and the other tournaments. There are some things he could maybe try to manage and be respectable.”

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Rafael Nadal has a history of dominance at the French Open and it will indeed be a wise choice to prioritize that tournament in order to perform well and create a chance at winning his favorite slam of the season. Fans would surely expect to see more of the Spaniard but it will be a difficult task for him to compete at the highest level given his age and body conditions.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic leaves Marco Trungelliti emotional after Nole reaches out to him for support following the Argentine’s comments condemning ATP and ITF

Rafael Nadal is keeping expectations low, says winning is not the dream next season

Rafael Nadal has asked fans to keep their expectations low as the Spaniard is trying his level best to make a comeback in the Tour for one last time. He has clearly stated that he is well aware he may not be able to win any slam in the next year, but his sole aim remains to be able to compete at the highest level.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal ( Credits: Lider en deportes)

The 14-time French Open Champion said that he only wants to play in all the tournaments so that he can plan his farewell from the sport on his own terms. Fans all over will surely not want to miss out on the chance of witnessing the legend on the tennis court for the last time. After Craig Tiley’s early announcement of the Spaniard’s participation in the Australian Open next year, he had to come out informing the decision is not yet finalized.

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