WTA legend: 'For Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic is crucial to..'

After the 2020 season, three Major titles separate Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. The GOAT race is more intense than ever, with Nadal catching Federer at Roland Garros and Djokovic winning the Australian Open to stay close to them. Many experts believe the key element in their battle will be the physical issue and who will remain fit and healthy in the next couple of years. Monica Seles is on the same side, highlighting the physical aspect as the crucial one in their battle for the greatest player of all time. At the moment, Roger Federer is in the worst position, standing on those 20 Major crowns but recovering from a severe knee injury that required two surgeries in February and May. At the moment, Roger is still not at his best, working hard but not knowing if he would be ready for the first Major of the new season at the Australian Open in February. Federer's last Major title came at the Australian Open in 2018, with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic taking charge after that to stand on his trail.

Following problems with injuries that had bothered him for a couple of years, Nadal bounced back in 2017 to get back where he belongs, winning six Major titles in the previous four seasons to catch the great Swiss and join him at the top. Suffering the Australian Open quarter-final loss and skipping the US Open, Nadal had one chance to claim the Major title in the season behind us, entering Roland Garros with three matches in his legs since the end of February! Showing his greatness when it mattered the most, Rafa defeated all seven rivals in straight sets to lift the 20th Major crown and write history, hoping for more of the same in 2021 when he could pass Roger Federer's record.

Monica Seles spoke about the 'Big 3' and their GOAT race.

Novak Djokovic is the youngest and most consistent player among three legends, missing his opportunities to get closer to them but looking determined to achieve that in the years to come. Novak won the 17th Major title at the Australian Open, winning all matches ahead of the US Open, where he got defaulted for the first time in a career! At Roland Garros, Djokovic advanced into the final but stood no chance there, suffering a heavy loss to Rafa to remain three Major titles behind the most prominent rivals ahead of 2021. 

"Whoever is going to be able to stay healthier longer, he should win the GOAT race. Roger, Rafa and Novak play such different styles of game. I think it's just great for young players to see that there's no one way to become a champion," Monica Seles said.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2LATXmZ