“So Well Done for Him”: Rafael Nadal on Novak Djokovic Breaking Roger Federer’s Incredible Record

Rafael Nadal has finally opened up on his Big 3 rival Novak Djokovic breaking Roger Federer’s record of staying World No.1 for most weeks.

Speaking to a reporter ahead of the Monte Carlo Open, the 20-time Grand Slam said plenty of records in the game have been broken over the last few years and this was one of them. However, he did extend his congratulations to the Serbian, calling it a “great achievement”.

“During this period of time, for the last few years, a lot of records have been broken,” the Spaniard said.

On Novak Djokovic’s new career milestone, Rafael Nadal says it’s another broken record

Rafael Nadal added that Djokovic’s milestone also serves as a reminder of how the Serb and his Big 3 peers have reigned supreme in men’s tennis for years and have enriched the sport with their accomplishments.

“Three players did a lot of important things in the history of our sport. That is another great achievement for Novak, so well done for him, I congratulate him,” the 13-time French Open champion said.

The Serb, who also received a glittering trophy last year for equaling Pete Sampras’s record of finishing the year-end No.1 for the sixth time, threw a lavish party at his Belgrade restaurant after upstaging Federer.

Novak Djokovic braved abdominal muscle tear to win ninth career Australian Open title this year

On what the Serb’s latest milestone means for the sport, Nadal said it’s another record that fell as many have over the years.

“As for what it means for the history of tennis, I don’t know, it is another broken record, well done,” Nadal said.

The Serb lifted a record ninth Australian Open title this year, equaling Martina Navratilova for the most number of Major championships won at the Australian Open.

Braving an abdominal muscle tear that he suffered during his epic third-round victory over American Taylor Fritz, Djokovic fought past some formidable opponents in subsequent rounds to win the tournament.

Read More: Rafael Nadal Explains Why He Chose Tennis as a Career

Though he hasn’t featured in any Tour action since, he has confirmed his return at the Monte Carlo Masters.