Novak Djokovic Will Overtake Roger Federer But Not Rafael Nadal, Says Former British No.1

A simple question has brought the entire tennis world up to debate. Who will end up with most Grand Slams amongst the Big Three? Former British No.1 Greg Rusedski pondered upon the situation of Novak Djokovic against Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in 2021.

In the last four years (2017-2020), the Swiss maestro has added only 3 Grand Slams to his name. During the same time, the Serbian has won 5 whereas the Spaniard has won 6 major titles. Considering he is 39, experts think it’s highly unlikely for Federer to pull off one more Slam victory.

Djokovic is the youngest of the three and has the benefit of playing more tournaments. He is also fit and eager to break every set record in tennis. The 33-year-old ended his 2020 season as World No. 1, making him equal to American legend Pete Sampras’ record.

Rusedski stated that the Serbian will get ahead of Sampras and Federer’s records, but the Spaniard will lead him in the Grand Slam race. “He will [surpass Sampras’ record for most year-end No 1s and Federer’s record for most weeks as No 1, but the only guy I’m thinking is that Nadal might have more Slams than him,” said Greg.

“Djokovic is going to surpass Federer”: Former British No.1

Putting things in perspective, the retired British-Canadian player laid out the possibilities for the Serbian. “Djokovic is going to surpass Federer,” claimed Rusedski. Further ahead, he mentioned that Federer will concentrate only on Wimbledon.

However, compared to the Swiss maestro’s 103 ATP titles, the Serbian ace has 81. Greg added, “He won’t have the most wins or the most titles, but he will surpass him for most Grand Slam titles.” Therefore, the competition leaves behind Djokovic and Nadal according to the 47-year-old.

Despite the absence of Federer and Nadal at the 2020 US Open, the Serbian couldn’t make the most of it. He got defaulted in a match for accidentally hitting a linesperson. Djokovic lost in the finals of the French Open, and as a default, Nadal reached 20 Grand Slams.

“I think the battle is between two guys. Not winning that US Open, that would’ve taken him to 18 instead of 17,” he said. “You’ve got to give him [Nadal] the French unless Thiem can knock him off his pedestal in Paris.”

“Novak Djokovic needs two Slams next year”: Rusedski

To get ahead in the race of most Grand Slams, the World No. 1 will have to gear up his approach. With Federer returning at the Australian Open, the situation is reaching the boiling point. Greg concluded, “He needs two Slams next year at least, or three.”

If not, then Nadal will lead the Big Three in terms of Slams, believes Rusedski. The trio will compete with each other at the ATP Cup 2021 ahead of the Australian Open.

Who do you think will end up with the most Grand Slam titles?

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