Rafael Nadal on his French Open file: 'I at all times take into account myself a really regular man. If I did it, possibly any individual else can'

Muricas News  — 

With 14 French Open titles now to his title, the sporting world is operating out of superlatives to explain Rafael Nadal.

For one athlete to have a lot success at a single occasion is wholly unprecedented, whereas Nadal has additionally set himself other than Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic by successful 22 grand slam titles to his rivals’ 20.

“There is no such thing as a phrase to explain this feat,” Federer’s coach Ivan Ljubicic mentioned after the Spaniard’s straight units victory towards Casper Ruud in Sunday’s French Open last.

“Don’t assume good outdated Phillippe (Chatrier) would thoughts if his courtroom adjustments the title to Rafael Nadal – (a) statue will not be sufficient.”

However Nadal, at all times wanting to understate his achievements, thinks his file at Roland Garros might someday be bettered.

“I at all times take into account myself a really regular man, so if I did it, possibly any individual else can do it,” he instructed Muricas News’s Christiane Amanpour on Monday.

“It’s apparent the file of twenty-two grand slams is one thing far more potential that any individual can improve that file. I'm certain that’s going to occur; 14 Roland Garros is one thing … very troublesome.”

Within the 17 years between Nadal’s first and most up-to-date French Open titles, he has misplaced simply three matches on the Paris clay – two towards Djokovic, together with within the semifinals final yr, and one towards Robin Soderling.

Sunday’s win noticed Nadal, who turned 36 on Friday, turn into the oldest males’s champion at Roland Garros, and it was additionally the primary time he has gained each the Australian Open and French Open in the identical calendar yr to take him away from Federer and Djokovic’s grand slam tallies.

“In fact, I need to be the participant with (most) grand slams in historical past – that’s competitors,” mentioned Nadal.

“Nevertheless it’s not one thing that I'm obsessed (with) and it’s not one thing that modified my thoughts … Truthfully, it’s one thing that doesn't hassle me if Novak wins 23 and I stick with 22. I feel my happiness is not going to change in any respect, not even one %.”

Occasions main as much as this yr’s French Open are more likely to make this title appear significantly particular – not least inconceivable – to Nadal.

Ultimately month’s Italian Open, he bowed out of the event towards Denis Shapovalov within the final 16 whereas battling a foot damage – an ongoing downside that Nadal mentioned required each day injections on the French Open with a view to preserve taking part in and coaching.

It meant he performed the ultimate with none feeling in his foot.

“After the pandemic, one thing occurred in my foot. I'm not capable of handle the ache to play usually and even follow,” mentioned Nadal, who has been beset by damage issues all through his profession.

“The one factor I can say goes by means of all these challenges, I at all times maintain the eagerness to maintain going and I at all times maintain the love for the sport,” he added. “I at all times wished to maintain going. That’s in all probability why I'm within the place that I'm right this moment.”

In Sunday’s press convention, Nadal mentioned he would bear “radio frequency injection” on the nerve in his foot in a bid to ease the ache and proceed taking part in.

Whether or not he competes at Wimbledon later this month depends upon the success of that remedy, and for now, his long-term future within the sport is unclear.

“I by no means had in my thoughts (plans) to announce any retirement after this occasion, however after all, there's a risk that issues should not enhancing,” he mentioned. “Then I don’t know what can occur.”

Profitable the primary two grand slams of the yr means Nadal, for the primary time in his profession, can doubtlessly win a calendar grand slam by triumphing at Wimbledon and the US Open.

It’s a feat Djokovic got here one sport away from finishing final yr, and one no male participant has achieved since Rod Laver in 1969.

“The probabilities are small on this well being state of affairs,” tennis journalist Christopher Clarey instructed Muricas News Sport’s Christina Macfarlane on Monday concerning the probability of Nadal triumphing on the subsequent two grand slam tournaments.

“Wimbledon will not be his finest floor anymore; it’s been some time since he gained. However how are you going to not attempt for that if you happen to’re wholesome?”

Even when he doesn't add to his grand slam tally, will probably be inconceivable to ever query Nadal’s standing as one of many best to play the sport. And in time, “the King of Clay” could also be remembered merely as “the King.”

“I achieved my dream and I get pleasure from what I'm doing,” mentioned Nadal, who stays unconcerned about how he ranks amongst his friends.

“I do know the press and individuals are at all times caring lots about these items, however ultimately, I'm an essential a part of the historical past of the game and that makes me really feel proud and completely satisfied.

“On the finish, it doesn’t matter a lot.”