TIME KO’S FEDERER IN THE SEMIS
In battle for greatest-ever, Murray says age means it is now between Djokovic and Nadal
RAFA NADAL and Novak Djokovic will battle for the title of the greatest male player of all time, according to Andy Murray.
The Spaniard, 34, drew level with Roger Federer’s record of 20 Grand Slam singles titles with his 13th triumph at the French Open on Sunday.
Nadal produced one of his best performances at Roland Garros in the final in beating Djokovic for the loss of just seven games to extend his win-loss record on the Parisian clay to 100-2.
Murray said: “It is an amazing achievement. Obviously he could win another one and make it 14 or even 15, whatever he finishes on, but he is one short of winning the same amount of Grand Slam wins at just one tournament as Pete Sampras did in his career.
“It’s incredible. I think it’s one of the best records in sport, maybe the best.
“I don’t think it will ever be repeated and I actually don’t think anyone will get close to it.”
Nadal’s victory leaves him three Grand Slam wins ahead of Djokovic.
The race to finish on top has been heating up for many years, and Murray said: “Providing they all stay fit, and if they retire all at the same age, then I would think it would be between Rafa and Novak to win the most Grand Slam tournaments.”
Federer, who turns 40 next year, has not played since the restart after having knee surgery.
Murray and three others have been elected to ATP’s Player Council to replace the Djokovicled group who resigned from the body to form a breakaway union.
Murray, Canada’s Felix AugerAliassime, Australian John Millman and Frenchman Jeremy Chardy will replace Djokovic, John Isner, Vasek Pospisil and Sam Querrey – who stepped down to form the Professional Tennis Players Association.
Murray joins Federer and Nadal on the council.