Rafael Nadal conceded that Novak Djokovic will retire greater and more decorated than him, saying that it is a foregone conclusion.
Nadal is a 20-time Grand Slam winner and is one of the greatest of all time. He is currently level on titles with Djokovic, who seems to be fit and firing while he has been sidelined with injury.
The Serbian is continuing to operate at an extraordinary level while his rivals have faltered. he recently took his 20th title, and is showing no signs of slowing down.
Many fans have speculated which of Nadal, Djokovic or fellow 20-time winner in Roger Federer will retire as the most decorated player.
Nadal conceded that Djokovic will retire greater than him, and said that he has fully accepted the fact and is happy for him.
“Djokovic is best positioned to be the (men’s) player with the most Grand Slams,” Nadal said, as quoted by Eurosport.
“You don’t have to fool yourself – Federer is where he is and I am where I am. However, Djokovic is playing well and in a good moment.
“That is the reality and you can’t ignore it. We don’t know what is going to happen in nine months’ time, but he is the favourite right now.”
The next gen
The 40-year-old also talked about the up-and-coming stars of the sport, and discussed their prospects. He said that even though those players are yet to reach the level of the current Big 3, they may very well displace them in some time.
“They are no longer the next gen, we do not have to make it eternal,” he continued.
“Players like Medvedev, Zverev or Tsitsipas have already passed that stage of the Next Gen, they are the current generation, the present.”