‘I don’t believe Nadal and Federer for one second – Djokovic is telling the truth’
John Lloyd has declared he believes what Novak Djokovic says about the importance of the men’s Grand Slam record, but not Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
The former world No 21 feels both Nadal and Federer cared about holding the most major titles as much as Djokovic, but that the duo did not admit it like the Serbian.
Djokovic surpassed his great rival Nadal to become the sole record holder in the men’s Grand Slam race with 23 titles after winning the French Open last week. The world No 1 downed Casper Ruud in straight sets in Sunday’s Roland Garros men’s singles final.
Nadal won the last of his 22 majors at the 2022 French Open, while Federer – who retired last year – won his 20th and final major at the 2018 Australian Open.
Speaking on an episode of Tennis Channel’s Inside-In podcast, Lloyd claimed Djokovic is the only one of the ‘Big 3’ who has been honest about the importance of the record.
“One of the things I do love about Novak is that he has said he was chasing the [men’s Grand Slam] record and it meant a lot to him,” Lloyd said.
“Whereas, [as] much as I loved Rafa and Roger, they were saying that they weren’t really concerned about breaking the record and ‘blah blah blah.’ And I don’t believe that for one second.
“I’m sorry to say that but I don’t. I think Novak is the one that’s telling the truth. Every player wants records. This is what they live for.”
The former Australian Open finalist also hailed the 36-year-old’s mental toughness and argued his popularity will increase after his retirement.
“The mental side of what he’s come through in these last few years with a few problems here and there obviously. And to come through and to break the record like he has in the men’s [game]. The hunger he has, it just seems that he just wants more and more,” continued the Brit.
“And I personally think that he’s loved by quite a few people. I don’t think he’s the most popular champion if you’re going to compare him to Rafa and Roger. But let’s be honest, it’s not easy to be as popular as those two and I think Novak knows that inside in some ways. I think he gets a bad rap.
“But I think he’s someone that, when he stops – and I hope it’s gonna be a while before that happens – he will go through a different ceiling in terms of his popularity. I think people when they look back at it, they’ll realise how great he really is. And it’s a remarkable journey he’s had.”
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