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Rafael Nadal Roland Garros 2020

‘If Rafael Nadal wins the French Open he jumps ahead,’ says Chris Evert


If Rafael Nadal lifts the French Open and takes his tally to 21 Grand Slams, he would jump ahead of Roger Federer in the discussion of the greatest of all time, according to Chris Evert. 

Nadal is chasing his 14th Grand Slam at Roland Garros and his 21st overall Major, which would take him ahead of Roger Federer in the race to finish his career with the most Grand Slams.

In a recent interview with Tennishead, Eurosport analyst Chris Evert was questioned on which would be the biggest achievement: Rafael Nadal taking his Grand Slam tally to 21, or Novak Djokovic achieving multiple wins at all the Slams should he win in Paris.

“Probably Rafa getting to 21. It would be his 14th French Open. That alone is spectacular but to break the record with Roger is impressive because the last ten years Roger has been the ‘GOAT’,” said Evert.

“That word has been synonymous with Federer but I think that Nadal and Djokovic are coming more and more into the picture as far as that is concerned.

“Anybody who can win more Grand Slams than anybody else has to be one of the highest achievements you can attain.

“I think Nadal would be jumping apart from Roger by surpassing the 20 Grand Slams.

“Not to diminish Djokovic because as we saw in that last match Djokovic can beat Nadal on his day but I think Nadal, to win 14 French Opens has to be one of the greatest achievements in sports history period, not even in tennis.”

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.