Rafael Nadal on Breaking Roger Federer’s Record: “I Would Love to Be the One”

Three times champion Rafael Nadal breezed into the finals of the US Open 2019 after defeating Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in straight sets 7-6(6), 6-4, 6-1 on Friday.

The world No.2 is just one win away from reaching one short of Roger Federer‘s all-time majors tally, the closest he has ever been to the Swiss’ record in his career. The Spaniard explained that he would love to have the most number of Grand Slam titles. However, Nadal insisted that he will ‘sleep well’ even if he fails to break the record.

He said, “I always say the same: we still playing. Here we are. When I arrived here, my goal was to produce a chance to compete for the big thing again. Here I am.”

He further added, “You win, you lose. That’s part of all the sport. Of course, I would love to be the one who achieves more Grand Slams, but I still sleep very well without being the one who has more Grand Slams.”

Rafael Nadal has played one of the most consistent season of his career with reaching three Grand Slam finals at the Australian Open, French Open and now US Open. He also finished as a semifinalist at Wimbledon Championships 2019.

The Spaniard failed to bag the Australian Open title but conquered a record 12th French Open trophy. It will be the fourth time since 2008 that the 33-year-old will win two major titles in a single calendar year if he wins the US Open 2019.

The Mallorcan said, “I give myself another chance, as I did in Wimbledon, as I did in Australia, as I did in Roland Garros. That’s personal satisfaction. That’s personal happiness.”

“I am happy about my career. I am very happy about what I’m doing. I’m going to keep working hard to try to produce chances. Sunday is one. It’s just one more chance, that’s all. My opponents going to keep playing. If I am able to win on Sunday, okay, will be amazing. If I lose, I hope to keep having chances in the future to add things,” he added.

“But as I always say to you, and is true: I would love to be the one to have more, yes, but you cannot be all day frustrated or all day thinking about what’s your neighbor have better than you. You have to be happy with yourself. You have to do your way. If you are the one to achieve more, fantastic. If not, at least I give my best during all my career. That’s all.”