“Novak Djokovic has the problem of not having been vaccinated” Rafael Nadal’s coach Francisco Roig drops his verdict on the GOAT debate
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Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer
GOAT or in other words Greatest Of All Time is a title awarded to the tennis player with the maximum points. Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer are in the race to become the GOAT for a while now and many tennis experts have joined in on the conversation.
Francisco Roig, one of Rafael Nadal’s coaches apart from Carlos Moya and Marc López is the latest to speak on the debate. Roig is a former Spanish tennis player with 9 ATP doubles titles. Roig recently commented on the chances of Nadal becoming the GOAT. While Nadal is on 21 Grand Slam titles right now, Djokovic and Roger are tied on the second spot with 20 slams each.
Francisco Roig snubs Roger Federer, choses between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
Francisco Roig in an interview with Radio Nacional de España gave his 2-cents on the GOAT debate. “Two months ago I would have told you that Rafa had a very hard life. But for now, I would say it’s 50-50 with Novak. Roger’s situation is very difficult because he has been away for a long time and he is older,” said Roig highlighting the fact that both Roger and Rafa announced an early end to their season in a few weeks’ gap.
“We know that Novak has maybe a little more time ahead of him than Rafa. We’ll see what happens, it would be great if Rafa could get that next Roland Garros. Djokovic has the problem of not having been vaccinated, which is very respectable. The test for him will be when he can no longer play a Grand Slam. For now, he cannot play in the United States, a tour he has always loved. Maybe he’s waiting for the rule change; I don’t know. It will be his decision and he will have to evaluate it well,” added Roig.
Due to his disagreement with the Australian Open authorities, Djokovic had to leave the competition, making Nadal the only big three in the Australian Open and seeing him go on to win the 21st major. With the 2022 French Open fast approaching and given Nadal’s record at the Slam, he will always be the favourite ahead of the other two who are doubtful to participate as Federer’s recovery remains a question and Novak’s vaccination stance.
Also Read: ‘Some positive news finally,’ Roger Federer all set to hit the court with wife Mirka
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Varsha Srikumar
(135 Articles Published)