Rafael Nadal says he isn’t motivated by trying to match Roger Federer’s record of 20 Grand Slam wins after his US Open success. The Spanish star moved to within one major title of his old rival after a thrilling five-set win over Daniil Medvedev in the Flushing Meadows final.
Federer, 38, leads the way in terms of Grand Slam victories and 32-year-old Novak Djokovic has 16 major titles to his name. Some feel that the battle to be considered the greatest of all time will be decided by which of the trio ends their career with the greatest Grand Slam haul, but Nadal says that isn’t his motivation after he picked up his 19th major title at the US Open.
“I feel honoured to be part of this battle [with Federer and Djokovic]. But I really believe that I will not be happier or less happy if that happens or does not happen,” said the 33-year-old, as reported by Sky Sports. “I am not going to practice every day or not play tennis for it. I am playing tennis because I love to play tennis.
“I can’t just think about Grand Slams, no? Tennis is more than Grand Slams. I need to think about the rest of the things. “I play to be happy. Of course, the victory today makes me super happy. All the things that I achieved in my career are much more than what I ever thought and what I ever dreamed.”
