For one athlete to have a lot success at a single occasion is wholly unprecedented, whereas Nadal has additionally set himself aside from Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic by successful 22 grand slam titles to his rivals’ 20.
“Do not assume good previous Phillippe (Chatrier) would thoughts if his court docket modifications the title to Rafael Nadal — (a) statue is just not sufficient.”
However Nadal, at all times desirous to understate his achievements, thinks his report at Roland Garros may at some point be bettered.
“I at all times contemplate myself a really regular man, so if I did it, perhaps anyone else can do it,” he advised CNN’s Christiane Amanpour on Monday.
“It is apparent the report of twenty-two grand slams is one thing far more attainable that anyone can improve that report. I’m certain that is 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 12 months, 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 received each the Australian Open and French Open in the identical calendar 12 months 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 is competitors,” mentioned Nadal.
“However it’s not one thing that I’m obsessed (with) and it isn’t one thing that modified my thoughts … Actually, it is one thing that doesn’t hassle me if Novak wins 23 and I stick with 22. I believe my happiness won’t change in any respect, not even one %.”
Enjoying whereas injured
Occasions main as much as this 12 months’s French Open are more likely to make this title appear significantly particular — not least unbelievable — to Nadal.
Eventually month’s Italian Open, he bowed out of the match towards Denis Shapovalov within the final 16 whereas battling a foot damage — an ongoing drawback that Nadal mentioned required every day injections on the French Open with the intention to preserve enjoying 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 in a position to handle the ache to play usually and even observe,” 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 is in all probability why I’m within the place that I’m at this time.”
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 enjoying.
Whether or not he competes at Wimbledon later this month is dependent upon the success of that therapy, 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 are usually not bettering,” he mentioned. “Then I do not know what can occur.”
Is the ‘King of Clay’ now simply ‘The King’?
Successful the primary two grand slams of the 12 months means Nadal, for the primary time in his profession, can probably win a calendar grand slam by triumphing at Wimbledon and the US Open.
It is a feat Djokovic got here one sport away from finishing final 12 months, and one no male participant has achieved since Rod Laver in 1969.
“The probabilities are small on this well being scenario,” tennis journalist Christopher Clarey advised CNN Sport’s Christina Macfarlane on Monday in regards to the chance of Nadal triumphing on the subsequent two grand slam tournaments.
“Wimbledon is just not his greatest floor anymore; it has been some time since he received. However how are you going to not attempt for that should you’re wholesome?”
Even when he doesn’t add to his grand slam tally, it is going to be not possible to ever query Nadal’s standing as one of many biggest 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 quite a bit about these things, however in a roundabout way, I’m an vital a part of the historical past of the game and that makes me really feel proud and pleased.
“On the finish, it would not matter a lot.”
