Rafael Nadal news: Coach Alex Corretja believes players shouldn’t be compared to ‘Big Three’

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Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic - who is the GOAT?

So far during the 2022 season the only member of the Big Three who has been playing consistently and winning titles is Rafael Nadal.

The world No 4 has already won the Melbourne Summer Set, the Mexican Open and added to his tally of Grand Slams by winning the Australian Open to put him on 21.

Meanwhile Roger Federer is still out injured while Novak Djokovic has to be very meticulous when planning which tournaments to play in as he risks getting thrown out of countries due to his unvaccinated status.

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The 35-year-old Majorcan is set to play at Indian Wells later this week and then take part in the French Open in May where he is tipped to be the favourite given Djokovic’s attendance at Roland Garros is still up in the air.

Former player and coach Alex Corretja believes Nadal is always pushing himself to do better and is constantly striving to improve himself because he knows he has more left in the tank.

“It’s not just because of his tennis, I think Rafa does it because he would never forgive himself for withdrawing and thinking that he still had something left,” the 47-year-old told the No Tiene Nombre podcast.

“He has no economic need, he has the internal need to believe that he has something that he wants to squeeze out.

“There are many people who confuse being ambitious with not being able to be humble.”

Although he spoke highly of Nadal, Corretja is of the mindset that other players shouldn’t be compared to the Big Three, but they should be their own person and have their own style, not compare their successes to the successes of Nadal, Djokovic and Federer.

The Spanish coach explained: “Be yourself, do not compare anyone to Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams or Garbine Muguruza.

“It is absurd to compare someone with another person, life should be about everyone trying to give their best version of themselves.

“But it is good to have references, to serve as a guide.”

Nadal is due to play in Indian Wells this week with the draw being held later today and the opening matches kicking off from March 10.

Federer is still injured so won’t be taking part in the competition and Djokovic isn’t allowed to compete as the event has a mandatory Covid-19 requirement.

Alex Corretja Novak Djokovic Rafael Nadal Roger Federer

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