Rafa feat’s one of best ever says rival Andy
ANDY MURRAY has hailed Rafael Nadal’s 13 French Open titles as arguably the best achievement in sport.
The Spaniard thumped Novak Djokovic in straight sets in Sunday’s Paris final.
Scot Murray saluted old rival Nadal’s 20th Grand Slam title and said: “Amazing achievement. He could win another one and make it 14 or 15.
“He is one short of winning the same amount of slams as Pete Sampras did at just one tournament.
“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, I don’t think anyone will get close to it.”
Nadal is now level with Roger Federer in Slam wins, and three clear of Djokovic.
Murray, who played at Roland Garros for the first time in three years, 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.”
Cameron Norrie beat eighth seed Taylor Fritz at the St Petersburg Open to earn a second round clash with Mikhail Kukushkin or Miomir Kecmanovic.
SNOOKER: Anthony McGill received a walkover at the English Open due to Covid-19.
The Scot was due to face Sam Craigie, who had to pull out after coming into contact with Stuart Carrington who has tested positive. Scott Donaldson and Alan McManus crashed out to Andy Hicks and Yan Bingtao. Stephen Maguire lost to Akani Songsermsawad.
BASKETBALL: Glasgow Rocks are set to start their season on November 1 after Covid restrictions on indoor sports were relaxed by the Scottish government.
Rocks chief Duncan Smillie said: “We have the go-ahead. We have full contact training allowed for a period on the court.”
DARTS: Wales’ Gerwyn Price beat Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode 5-2 in the World Grand Prix final.