'Who knows how long Roger Federer is going to play', says former No. 1

One of the big goals of the Big 3 in the finale of their career is the record of Grand Slam titles. Roger Federer is still at the top of the all-time ranking with 20 titles, while Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are now getting closer and closer to equaling him. The Spanish phenomenon could reach 20 Majors by winning Roland Garros for the 13th time, scheduled for the end of September due to the Coronavirus emergency. The World number 1 has a gluttonous chance to triumph at the US Open, having won the Australian Open earlier this year. Many are wondering who will win this race. Recently, Pete Sampras and Tim Henman had a fantastic conversation on the ATP Champions Tour. During the interview, the two former champions - formerly great rivals on the pitch - also expressed their opinion on the Grand Slam record.

Sampras and Henman on the Big 3

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal being younger than Roger Federer, who knows how long Roger is going to play. If Novak plays for another 5 years and Rafa, they can make it easily past 20. I know Roger is already at 20 but they got to do it" - Pete Sampras said. Sampras is clearly backing Nadal and Djokovic to beat Federer’s record. However, fans want to know who among them will end up holding the record, and that question was answered by Tim Henman. He said, “I think Rafa has had more physical issues, I think he is more susceptible to injuries. So when you look at Novak’s physique, you look at his age, look how dominant, I think he has won 5 out of the last 7 majors. You know, over 5 sets, I think he is such a difficult proposition to beat.” Nole has repeatedly reiterated her desire to beat Federer's Grand Slam record, as well as surpassing it in the ranking of weeks at the top of the ATP rankings. Without the very long suspension due to the pandemic and the freezing of the rankings, Djokovic could have made it through Roger's weeks (as number 1) already this season. The World No. 1 struck 51 winners to overcome Kyle Edmund 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 and extend his unbeaten start to the year. Djokovic has now won 28 consecutive matches, dating back to November 2019. “It was anybody’s game really for a set and a half,” said Djokovic. “I made some breaks and then obviously after winning the second set I felt more comfortable. I was returning better, I started to read his serve better and I was pleased with my serve. Overall, it was a very good test and I am happy to get through.”

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3gYgVi6