‘The love for Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer is much stronger than the love Novak Djokovic generated’
Former world No 10 Juan Monaco believes Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer “will always have a much bigger place reserved” in the hearts of tennis fans than Novak Djokovic.
The Argentine argued that while the Serbian is “the greatest in titles”, there is “something undeniable which is the way Rafa and Roger changed tennis.”
Djokovic defeated Casper Ruud in straight sets in the final of the French Open last month, making him the first man to win each Grand Slam event at least three times.
The victory also saw the 36-year-old overtake Nadal to become the all-time men’s Grand Slam title leader with 23 majors. Federer, who retired last year, won his 20th and final Grand Slam crown at the 2018 Australian Open.
Current world No 2 Djokovic is a heavy favourite to add to his major tally by winning an eighth Wimbledon title, which would see him tie Federer’s men’s record. Wimbledon starts on Monday July 3, with the men’s final to be played on Sunday July 16.
Monaco declared that he does not think Nadal will be motivated by chasing Djokovic in the Grand Slam title race when he returns to the tour.
“I don’t think so, no. I think he stopped fighting for that a while ago. He’s very happy with what he has,” said the Argentine in an interview with Clay.
“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.
“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.
“Djokovic is going to win more than them. But there is a distance in what Rafa and Roger generate, in the love of the fan.”
Nadal underwent a successful surgery on his hip earlier this month. The 37-year-old has not played since losing to Mackenzie MacDonald in the second round of the Australian Open in January due to the injury.
Monaco, who retired in 2017, faced each of the ‘Big Three’ during his career. His records were: 1-7 against Nadal; 0-4 against Federer; and 0-8 against Djokovic. The Argentine won nine titles on the ATP tour
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