Novak Djokovic’s Fitness Could Be The Key To Grand Slam Record

The battle to see whether Novak Djokovic or Rafael Nadal will finish their careers with the most Grand Slam titles has the attention of the tennis world.

It’s a story that has had many twists and turns over recent years but Djokovic’s fitness and better injury record could be the difference in seeing the Serb finish above Nadal in the Grand Slam standings.

Djokovic Showing No Signs Of Slowing Down

While Djokovic, like all players, has had knocks to cope with along the way, the 35-year-old has had a good run with major injuries. The Serbian star is priced at odds of 13/8 to win the 2023 French Open, for those betting on sports, did have a left leg injury to contend with at the Australian Open at the start of the year.

However, Djokovic did not let that stand in his way, as he went on to win the Grand Slam event on the hard courts in Melbourne for the 10th time and in the sports betting tips is 11/8 to win on the same surface at the US Open later this year. That success at the Aussie Open saw Djokovic overcome his niggling injury to go level with Nadal on 22 Grand Slam titles.

The last couple of years has been a real success for Djokovic who continues to defy his age to win major titles. The Belgrade icon almost completed a clean sweep of the Grand Slam titles in 2021 as he claimed the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon crowns. Russia’s Daniil Medvedev spoiled the party in the final Grand Slam event by denying Djokovic a clean sweep in the final of the US Open. Djokovic added to his Grand Slam tally last year by winning Wimbledon and his success at the Aussie Open this year shows he will be a force to be reckoned with for the remainder of the season.

Nadal Battling To Stay In The Game

In stark contrast, Nadal has been forced to battle back from multiple injuries to keep himself from challenging Djokovic for the most Grand Slam titles. Last season saw Nadal battle with an abdominal injury that saw him withdraw from the semi-final at Wimbledon, while the Spaniard has had to deal with a chronic foot injury for a number of years.

This year has brought about its own challenges already, with Nadal crashing out early in the second round of the Australian Open with a grade two injury to his iliopsoas muscle in his left leg. That injury has seen the 36-year-old spend over two months out on the sidelines and he will be doing all he can to be ready to defend his title at the French Open in May. Nadal has bounced back from injury setbacks before but it will be a real test for the “King of Clay” to win a 15th title at Roland-Garros this year.

Many will be hoping both players can have a clean bill of health for the remainder of their careers and that this intriguing battle can be settled on the court and not the physio table.

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