‘Federer Djokovic Me all at high level’- Nadal

Rafael Nadal has had a decent season so far, having clinched the world number one spot and retaining it at the Wimbledon Championships. The Spaniard, however, is not the only one who has tasted success this year. Roger Federer, and more recently, Novak Djokovic have had equally satisfying seasons.

‘All of us are at a high level, despite two months ago you were saying that Djokovic was a disaster, which I didn’t believe too, and it says a lot about how the sport is unpredictable’, said Rafael Nadal in a press conference in Manacor.‘(Roger) Federer won in Australia, and (Novak) Djokovic at Wimbledon and me at Roland Garros’, he added.

The Spaniard will now look to close in the gap between him and Federer for the most number of Grand Slam titles, as he gears up for the final slam of the year at Flushing Meadows. ‘At this stage of my career, winning is the essence of the sport, but competing well and enjoying at the highest level is what makes me happy’, said Nadal.

The dominance of the big four was thought to be over, when each of them was plagued by injuries. However, the younger generation have not stepped it up, to challenge the old guard. Nadal commented on this as well:

‘It’s an exceptional coincidence that had never happened in history. We have been at the top for many years. There are two options to explain it: either these players (me, Federer and Djokovic) have been special or the ones behind were not enough special. I dont know what is the right one, It’s up to you to say it. But sooner or later it will challenge, either because others will have a higher level than us or because of how old we will be’

Nadal will now focus his attention to the hard-courts, as he looks to assert himself at the Rogers Cup next month, from which Roger Federer has withdrawn.