Nadal ducks ‘GOAT’ question

RAFAEL NADAL (caricature) hailed Novak Djokovic’s late entry into the Barcelona Open at a press conference at the Real Club Tennis 1899 yesterday.

The world’s No. 1 also pointed to his record number of titles when asked if he was history’s greatest on clay.

Asked about Djokovic, Nadal said: “It’s good news for the tournament that one of the best players in history is going to play here.

“It’s bad news for his rivals, perhaps, but, for the people here in Barcelona and tennis lovers, it’s good.”

Nadal who begins his defence of the Barcelona Open today, will face Djokovic in the quarterfinals if both players progress.

Asked if he was the all-time No. 1 on clay, Nadal said: “I don’t know. It’s not for me to say.

“It’s difficult to compare eras. With humility I can say that the numbers are what they are.

“I am the one that has won the most titles on this surface yes. But do I like to talk about these things? No I don’t.”

Meanwhile yesterday on ‘Pista Rafael Nadal’ the court named after the 10-times tournament winner, France’s Benoit Paire beat Chile’s Nicolas Jarry in three sets 7-6, 6-7, 6-4, to progress to the second round.

It was a mixed day for Spain’s other representatives. Guillermo Garcia-Lopez and Marce l Gr a n o l l e r s both made it into the second round, however, fellow Spaniards Tommy Robredo, Ricardo Ojeda and Pedro Mar t í n e z were all knocked out. – dpa