14-Time Grand Slam Champion Rafael Nadal Can Break Roger Federer’s Record Of 17 Majors, Says Uncle And Coach Toni Nadal
Rafael Nadal has a total of 14 Grand Slam titles in his list of accolades, while rival Roger Federer has 17. According to coach and uncle Toni, Rafa can break Federer's Grand Slam record as long as he stays healthy.
The odds aren't very long that Rafa will be able to break Federer's 17 Grand Slam titles. Toni thinks so, too, that Rafa has a legitimate chance at breaking the Swiss' record, but on a single note, Rafa has to stay injury-free and healthy.
"Assuming Rafa stays injury-free, I wouldn't be surprised if he broke Federer's record," Toni told French news outlet L 'Equipe. "I think it's not impossible to win more than 17, although it won't be easy."
Toni also shared his view on Rafa's chances of winning a 10th French Open crown. Currently, Rafa holds the record of the most French Open titles as well as the most consecutive French Open titles won with five from 2010 to 2014.
Toni said that he was surprised when former World number one Swedish Bjorn Borg won the title at Roland Garros six times (1974-1975 and 1978-1981) and he thought no one would be able to surpass Borg's French Open record, but his nephew was able to outshine the Swedish in the said Grand Slam tournament. Toni also thinks that Rafa will continue to a threat to current World number one Serbian athlete Novak Djokovic, who is yet to win the French Open.
Meanwhile, Federer has previously said in an interview with Times of India while he was competing in an Association of Tennis Professionals, or ATP, 500 tennis event in Dubai back in February that he believes Rafa can break his record. However, Federer also made it clear that he has every intention to add more titles in his list of achievements. At 33, the Swiss great isn't contemplating of hanging up his racket just yet, which he said only gives him the advantage because he gets the opportunity to win more major and even minor titles. Federer last won a Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2012.
To reach the author of this article, email r.corpuz@ibtimes.com.au.
