(CNN)It was three, but now Rafael Nadal is on his own.
By winning Sunday’s Australian Open after an epic final with Daniil Medvedev, the Spaniard claimed his 21st Grand Slam title, one more than Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
The three were tied at 20 for a time, but after overcoming a long-standing foot injury, Nadal now stands a step above members of tennis’ ‘Big Three’.
While acknowledging his achievement in winning his record-breaking Grand Slam title, Nadal admitted it doesn’t change his prospects for his career or legacy.
“No, honestly, I don’t want to change my point of view. Of course it’s amazing for me to achieve another Grand Slam at this moment in my career. It just means a lot to me,” he told reporters.
“I’m honored. I feel lucky to have achieved another very special thing in my tennis career. I don’t care if I’m the one or not the one or the best in history, not the best in history. Honestly , today I don’t care. For me, it’s about enjoying nights like tonight. That means everything to me, doesn’t it? Means even more, reaching the second Australian Open, more than anything.”
So with Nadal looking set to return to his best tennis, Federer continuing to struggle with injuries and questions about Djokovic’s participation in future events due to his Covid-19 vaccination status, what could the future hold for the sport’s superstars?
“I am proud to share this era with you”
Nadal, Federer and Djokovic have lit up tennis in recent years, battling on numerous occasions and delivering some famous encounters.
Both Federer and Djokovic were quick to congratulate Nadal on social media after his win on Sunday.
“What a match! To my friend and great rival (Nadal), congratulations on being the first man to win 21 Grand Slam titles,” Federer wrote on his Instagram stories.
“A few months ago we joked about them both walking on crutches. Amazing. Never underestimate a great champion. Your incredible work ethic, dedication and fighting spirit are an inspiration to me and countless others around the world.
“I’m proud to share this era with you and honored to play a role in pushing you to achieve more, just as you have done for me over the past 18 years. I’m sure you have more achievements ahead of you, but now enjoy this one! “
Djokovic wrote on Twitter: “Congratulations to (Nadal) on 21st GS. Amazing performance. Always impressive fighting spirit that won another time. Enhorabuena. (Medvedev) gave everything and played with the passion and determination that we expect from him.”
The 40-year-old Federer is struggling with a knee injury which has prevented him from appearing on the pitch.
World No. 1 Djokovic – arguably the favorite to win the tournament previously – has been expelled from Australia after losing a court challenge to the Australian Government’s decision to cancel his visa on public health and order grounds.
The second Grand Slam of the year is the French Open in Roland Garros, which begins on May 22nd.
Nadal, now fully fit again, will certainly be the huge favorite on the Paris clay courts after winning a record 13 French Open titles.
Djokovic’s availability at the French Grand Slam is still in doubt as the country’s sports ministry told CNN in early January that all professional athletes wishing to compete in France must be vaccinated against Covid-19.
France’s vaccination certificate law, passed by parliament in January, requires people to have a vaccination certificate to enter public places such as restaurants, cafes, cinemas and sports arenas, among others.
“The rule is simple. After the law came into force, the vaccination card will be required in institutions that were already subject to the health card (sports or culture). This applies to everyone (spectators, professional athletes),” a French sports ministry spokeswoman told CNN.
Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, features and videos
This new legislation jeopardizes the chances of Djokovic, who has not been vaccinated against Covid-19, to compete at Roland Garros.
However, Nadal and Federer are older than 34-year-old Djokovic – Nadal is 35 and Federer is 40 – meaning the Serb has time on his side to try and catch Nadal.
But with a new generation of tennis superstars burgeoning at the moment – with Medvedev at the helm alongside Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud and Felix Auger-Aliassime among others – it has never been more difficult for him to get on to stay on top The greatest tennis players of all time.
Add Comment