The three had been tied at 20 for a while, but after overcoming a long-term foot injury, Nadal is now one step above the members of tennis’ “Big Three”.
While acknowledging his achievement in winning his record-breaking grand slam title, Nadal admitted it doesn’t change his outlook on his career or legacy.
“No, honestly I don’t want to change my point of view. For me, of course, it’s great to have another grand slam at this point in my career. It just means a lot to me,” he told reporters.
“I feel honored. I feel happy that I have achieved something very special in my tennis career. I don’t care if I am the best or the best in history, not the best in history. To be honest ” I don’t really care today. For me it’s about enjoying evenings like today. That means everything to me, doesn’t it? Means even more to reach the second Australian Open, more than anything.”
So with Nadal looking like he’s returning to his tennis best, with Federer continuing to struggle with injuries and questions about Djokovic’s participation in future events due to his Covid-19 vaccination status, what could the future hold for the sport’s superstars?
‘I am proud to share this era with you’
Nadal, Federer and Djokovic have given tennis a boost in recent years, fighting countless battles and landing some famous encounters.
Both Federer and Djokovic were quick to congratulate Nadal on social media after his win on Sunday.
“What a match! To my friend and great rival (Nadal), congratulations on being the first man to win 21 Grand Slam titles,” Federer wrote on his Instagram stories.
“A few months ago we joked about the fact that we were both on crutches. Awesome. Never underestimate a great champion. Your incredible work ethic, dedication and fighting spirit are an inspiration to me and countless others around the world.
“I am proud to share this era with you and honored to play a part in pushing you to achieve more, as you have done for me over the past 18 years. I am sure you will have more achievements in ahead, but enjoy it now!”
Djokovic wrote on Twitter: “Congratulations to (Nadal) for the 21st GS. Amazing achievement. Always an impressive fighting spirit that prevailed another time. Enhorabuena. (Medvedev) gave it his all and played with the passion and determination we’ve come to expect are to be expected from him.”
The 40-year-old Federer is struggling with a knee injury, which means that he is absent from the court.
World No. 1 Djokovic — arguably the favorite to win the tournament beforehand — was deported from Australia after losing a lawsuit over the Australian government’s decision to revoke his visa for public health and order reasons.
The second grand slam of the year is the French Open at Roland Garros, which starts on May 22.
Now back to full fitness, Nadal will undoubtedly be the firm favorite on the Paris clay courts, having won a record 13 French Open titles.
France’s vaccine pass law, passed by parliament in January, requires people to have a vaccine certificate to enter public places such as restaurants, cafes, cinemas and sports arenas.
“The rule is simple. The vaccine pass will be required as soon as the law comes into force in institutions that have already been subject to the health pass (sporting or cultural). This will apply to everyone (spectators, professional athletes), “a French sport told a spokeswoman for the ministry to DailyExpertNews.
That new legislation jeopardizes the chances of Djokovic, who has not been vaccinated against Covid-19, at Roland Garros.
However, Nadal and Federer are older than 34-year-old Djokovic — Nadal is 35 and Federer is 40 — meaning the Serb has time on his side to try and get Nadal.
But with a new crop of tennis superstars thriving right now – with Medvedev at the forefront alongside Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud and Felix Auger-Aliassime among others – it’s never been more difficult to get to the top. stay for best tennis players ever.
