Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer above Novak Djokovic despite the Serb’s 23 Grand Slam titles claims former World No. 10 Juan Monaco

In the recent ongoing debate regarding who is the better player between Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, former World No. 10 Juan Monaco, has dipped his hands as well. 

In an interview with CLAY, the Argentine stated that he believes that the Spaniard is content with the 22 Grand Slam titles he has earned so far and that he stopped fighting for the No. 1 spot a long time ago. As per Monaco, Djokovic winning his 23^rd Grand Slam title is not going to act as a medium of motivation for Nadal, as he doesn’t care about it anymore.

“I don’t think so, no. I think he stopped fighting for that a while ago. He’s very happy with what he has,” expressed the Argentine.  

While acknowledging Djokovic’s potential to become the greatest in terms of titles, Monaco highlighted the indelible impact Nadal and Federer have had on the sport, ensuring a prominent place in the hearts of fans.

“Obviously, if Djokovic keeps winning trophies and Grand Slams, he can be the greatest in history, but there is something undeniable, which is the way Rafa and Roger changed tennis. They will always have a much bigger place reserved in the heart of the tennis fan than Djokovic,” claims Monaco.

That’s not all, Monaco further talked about the love Rafa and Roger have earned so far. As per the former World No. 10 himself, the love that the Spaniard and Swiss have received on the court surpasses the impact that the Serb has been trying to make on the tennis fans throughout his career. He believes Federer and Rafael changed tennis in some way.

“No disrespect to Djokovic, who may be the greatest in titles, but the love for Rafa and Roger is much stronger than the love that Djokovic generated.,” explained the Argentine.

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Juan Monaco believes there is a distance between the ‘Big 3’

Juan Monaco believes that there exists a distance between the ‘Big 3‘ and this distance cannot be attributed to the realm of tennis. As Djokovic is poised to surpass both Federer and Nadal in terms of titles, there exists an intangible separation grounded in the unique adoration and love that the fanbase has bestowed upon Federer and Nadal.

Despite Djokovic’s astonishing achievements and impending record-breaking success, there remains a distinct disparity in the affection and connection generated by Federer and Nadal. “There is a distance in what Rafa and Roger generate, in the love of the fan,” noted Monaco.

Even though the Serbian has tried to reduce the distance that exists between him and the other two, he has not been able to achieve success in that. Djokovic has often expressed his admiration for Federer and Nadal, but his desire for a deeper friendship with them has not materialized. With that being said, it seems like the distance between the players appears to increase more in the future, as the Serbian is not going to stop anytime soon.

In case you missed it:

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• Caroline Wozniacki issues STERN challenge to Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka with US Open and Australian Open return claim

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