Rafael Nadal recently sat down with Movistar for an interview. Although the main subject of the interview had been his plans for his comeback to the circuit in the following year, that is 2024, what got the most attention was his comments on Novak Djokovic. Novak, according to Nadal, would have gotten “frustrated” if he hadn’t broken the record.
Rafa has been facing extreme backlash and negativity after he revealed his opinions on Nole winning his 24th grand slam victory. Fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to show their discontent with the Spaniard. Rafa even revealed he hadn’t yet wished the Serbian for his achievement which brought more backlash.
🇪🇸 Rafael Nadal speaking tonight, on Novak Djokovic and Major events in general [in Spanish]:
“I think Djokovic lives it in a more intense way. For him, it would have been a greater frustration not to achieve it [the Major Tally]”
Source: Movistar+ 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/ezPjsn7nB5
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) September 18, 2023
Fans, specifically the Djokovic fans, called Nadal a sore loser. Some even called him ignorant and pathetic as he referred to Nole as obsessive. One user pointed out how Rafa himself left his pregnant wife to play at a slam after he called Novak much more driven to win slams. “Says the guy who said he would die for tennis and the guy who left his pregnant wife in hospital to play at a grand slam. The hypocrisy.,” they commented.
Says the guy who said he would die for tennis and the guy who left his pregnant wife in hospital to play at a grand slam. The hypocrisy.
— Anca Ioana (@AncaIoa21) September 18, 2023
However, Nadal did commend Novak for the way he has taken care of his health over the years. In fact, he voiced his regret for not doing the same which subsequently made him miss a lot of vital matches. Nadal, who underwent surgery on his hip earlier this year, is still at 22 major titles and plans to make a comeback in 2024.
Amidst the intense backlash, Rafael Nadal finds a supporter in the form of Chris Evert
While some people think Djokovic is working really hard to catch up to tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Chris Evert, a renowned American tennis legend, recently presented a very different stance on the entire matter as she showered support to Rafa.
Ardent tennis followers and Djokovic fans took no time in defending Nole and stormed upon Rafa for his comments. Evert, however, took time to understand and commend Rafa for being so honest and candid. A fan commented how Rafa shouldn’t be criticized for his opinions and instead should be commended for his insightful and honest opinion. To the post on X, Evert replied agreeing with the fan.
Agree…👍 https://t.co/VhPTN1400k
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) September 19, 2023
In a world where competition is viewed as a metric for achievement, athletes often find themselves amidst controversies for their opinions and comments. Whatever his motivations—whether he simply enjoys winning or strives to surpass others—Djokovic’s journey reflects the passion and tenacity that make tennis so exciting.
Novak has revealed his main aim now is to win the Olympic gold medal. It is the only distinction missing from his resume. Nole has currently withdrawn from the Shanghai Open. After his terrific and historic 24th grand slam win at the US Open against Medvedev, it is understandable the Serb is in need of some well-deserved rest.