‘The Debate Is Over’- David Ferrer Has His Say on Rafael Nadal’s Chance to Create History

On Sunday, Rafael Nadal will play his 6th Australian Open final against the Russian no.1 Daniil Medvedev. The Spaniard will compete for his 21st Grand Slam title, trying to surpass both Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. With both Djokovic and Federer not playing this year’s Australian Open, Nadal has a golden opportunity to win his 21st title in Australia.

In a recent interview, former legendary Spanish player David Ferrer expressed his views on the whole ‘greatest of all-time’ debate. The fellow Spaniard clearly made his mind about who should be the greatest. 

David Ferrer chooses his ‘Goat’

Many current and ex-players expressed their own opinion about the ‘GOAT’ debate. David Ferrer also believes that Rafael Nadal should be the greatest tennis player of all time if he wins the 21st title. 

“For me the debate is over if he wins the 21st Grand Slam… Tennis consists of winning, in the most important titles (…) if he wins his 21st, he will be, to this day, the best in history,” David Ferrer said in a recent interview. 

Known as one of the greatest defenders of the sport, David Ferrer and Rafael Nadal had many battles in the past. Most notably, in 2013 when Ferrer reached his first Grand Slam final at the French Open without losing a single set. Unfortunately, he lost to Nadal in the final, who is arguably the greatest clay-court tennis player ever. 

Rafael Nadal inches closer to his 21st Grand Slam title

Before the start of the tournament, Nadal wasn’t even sure about participating in the Australian Open because of a foot injury. Clearly, the recovery process went well for the 20-time Grand Slam champion, as he will now compete for his 21st. 

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However, standing in his way is Daniil Medvedev, the top seed at the tournament. Previously, Medvedev stopped Djokovic last year from grabbing his 21st Grand Slam title at the US Open. The Russian probably aims to do the same with Rafa, as he is looking to win his second Grand Slam title in a row.

Rafa last won the Australian Open in 2009. Since then, he hasn’t had that much success in this tournament, winning only one time. If Nadal wants to win this title, he has to take care of Medvedev’s unconventional game, which will not be an easy task to do. 

Can Nadal beat Medvedev in the final? Let us know in the comments.

Read More: Australian Open 2022: Rafael Nadal vs Daniil Medvedev Preview; Head-To-Head and Prediction