Pat Cash: 'Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic are not ordinary humans'

Thirteen years after finishing inside the top-5 for the first time, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are still ranked in the mentioned group. The 'Big 3' have shared 57 Major titles since Wimbledon 2003, finishing the season at the top in every season starting from 2004, expect 2016. Pushing each other to the limits, Roger, Rafa and Novak have forged unimaginable rivalries and left all the rivals behind them, defying injuries and the younger opponents to stand strong together for almost 15 years. The former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash praised the three legends, calling them "monsters" and not ordinary human beings. Cash mentioned their exceptional playing abilities and mental strength from out of this world that have kept them at the top for so many years. For the third straight year, Djokovic and Nadal are the world's leading players. Novak secured the sixth year-end no. 1 honor - leaving Federer and Nadal on five - and won four ATP titles, not losing a match before September.

The Serb claimed the title for his country at the inaugural ATP Cup, gathering momentum ahead of the Australian Open. He conquered the field for the eighth time, securing the 17th Major crown and moving closer to the most significant rivals. Novak couldn't repeat that at the US Open, experiencing a default against Pablo Carreno Busta and wasting a massive opportunity to make the GOAT race even more interesting. Djokovic claimed the 36th Masters 1000 title in Rome to move in front of Rafael Nadal, who defeated him in the Roland Garros final. The Spaniard claimed two trophies in the season behind us, losing the ATP throne to Novak after the Australian Open but saving the year in Paris following his 13th Roland Garros crown.

Pat Cash praised Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Despite the conditions and only three matches in his legs since March, Rafa dominated the field like many times before, winning the title without losing a set and joining Roger Federer on 20 Major crowns. Nadal will finish the year inside the top-2 for the record-breaking 12th time, hoping to move in front of Federer in the GOAT race in 2021. The Swiss maestro played only one tournament in 2020, reaching the Australian Open semi-final and maintaining a place in the top-5 thanks to his points from 2019. After two knee surgeries in February and May, Roger should be ready to challenge the players from the top again next season, eager to extend his career and fight for the notable titles.

"Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are monsters. They are not ordinary human beings; no one can do what they are doing. It takes a different mentality than other people; Andy Murray has one too. To be the best, you need some obsession, and they have it, beyond the fact that they are exceptional athletes," Pat Cash said.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3ql58A0