The legendary tennis player, former number one Mats Wilander, before the start of the Australian Open, spoke about the “GOAT” race and stated that winning the title is more important for Rafael Nadal than for Novak Djokovic.
The “Bull from Majorca” will try to reach his 23rd and Djokovic’s 22nd career Grand Slam title in Melbourne.
Wilander pointed out that the competition between these two tennis players is important for the history of the white sport.
“If Rafa wins, it will be a big deal because then he would go to his favorite tournament at 23. If Djokovic wins, then both are at 22 trophies and the race is one hundred percent again. Obviously, it is very important for Novak to win this tournament, but it is even more important for Rafa because he will not have many more opportunities in the next two to three years. Novak has a chance at every Slam in the next two to three years. I think Djokovic can win one more, or six or seven, but I don’t believe Rafa can win six or seven. I mean two, maybe three titles. The race is now open and it is important for the history of the sport”, says Wilander.
Nadal is waiting for a match with Jack Draper at the start of the tournament, and Mats believes that the weak form of the Spaniard can further inspire the opponents.
“His form is a big handicap in the first two rounds because when you’ve lost six of the last seven matches, you start thinking, ‘Well, I haven’t managed to win two since the US Open.’ It’s not good for confidence, but it is good for the other players. However, if Nadal starts winning in the first few rounds and is tested at the same time when he reaches the quarterfinals, it doesn’t matter if he won six out of seven matches, because now we are talking about the winner of 22 Grand Slam titles and last year’s champion,” added the Swede.
Wilander points out that older tennis players have an advantage in five sets.
“I think it’s easier for older players, maybe it’s physically harder but mentally easier, there’s less pressure on Rafa in the first hour of matches because he’s more relaxed.” And it proves it. I think that’s why those older people have an advantage”, Wilander concluded.
The Australian Open starts on the 16th and ends on the 29th of January.
The Australian Open starts on the 16th and ends on the 29th of January.
