Grand slam race: Nadal does not care, Djokovic wants to chase Federer

kailash

Hall of Fame
When media asked about Roger's 20 Grand Slam titles...

"You can't be frustrated all the time because the neighbor has a bigger house" - Nadal after winning French Open today.

Djokovic said that Federer’s record of 20 majors was “still far.” But he was also admitted that the thought of breaking it has crossed his mind from time to time. “I do want to focus myself on continuing to improve my game...so I would be able to compete at such a high level for the years to come and have a shot at eventually getting closer to Roger’s record.” - Djokovic after winning AO this year.

Personally I like Nadal's attitude! But there is no right or wrong in this.
 

hipolymer

Hall of Fame
I'm more concerned about the fact that Rafa said he was injured in 15 slams. For some reason the thread i made about this was deleted.

Is there some kind Rafa expert that knows more about these specific slams?
 

Bartelby

Bionic Poster
"But he was also admitted that the thought of breaking it has crossed his mind from time to time. “I do want to focus myself on continuing to improve my game...so I would be able to compete at such a high level for the years to come and have a shot at eventually getting closer to Roger’s record.”

In short, he cares but he realises that it is a process that must be worked through and not a simple wish. Nothing surpising here!
 

Crisstti

Legend
Of course he cares about it. He just isn't going to tell you or the media that.
Exactly. He's said pretty much this before. If I had the time right now I'd look up the interview (I might later), but asked about it, he said he always says he doesn't care, but that of course he cares.
He doesn't even say he doesn't care here. Just that he doesn't think about it too much and that he isn't frustrated by it.
 

AceSalvo

Legend
Lol, in reality Nadal cares more than Djokovic about the slam record. It's just a fake face that he presents to the media, trying to sound content, humble etc etc.

I bet he said that with a poker face. I heard he is good at that game. :rolleyes:
 

ChaelAZ

G.O.A.T.
Of course he cares about it. He just isn't going to tell you or the media that.

Disagree. I think both Fed and Nadal, while continuing to try to win GS titles, are really just enjoying competing in the twilight of their careers. Djo still thinks having a better record will get him out of their shadow and get him respect, so it is very important to him.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Bartelby

Bionic Poster
Yes, well, let's see if he wins another slam off clay. At the end of the day, his clay record will be both his glory and also something that will be held against him when considering the great players.
 

Djokovic2011

Bionic Poster
I don't think so; Nadal usually speaks his mind. And there is nothing to hide about this...IMO, he really does not care as he mentioned.
Lol, doesn't care?! Nadal's made it his mission in life to surpass Federer come hell or high water and he won't rest until he's succeeded.
 

BeatlesFan

Bionic Poster
Trust me, he cares. All you have to do is listen to the stuff Toni says to know he cares quite a bit. Within 2 of the record and you think he doesn't care? Come on dude.
It's unbelievable that some of these posters accept what any elite athlete says to the press as gospel truth. What they say to the press is frequently disingenuous, prevaricating or flat out lies. Of course Nadal cares deeply about the slam race, as do Fed and Djokovic. Anyone who doesn't see this is, frankly, clueless.
 

clayqueen

Talk Tennis Guru
It's unbelievable that some of these posters accept what any elite athlete says to the press as gospel truth. What they say to the press is frequently disingenuous, prevaricating or flat out lies. Of course Nadal cares deeply about the slam race, as do Fed and Djokovic. Anyone who doesn't see this is, frankly, clueless.
People should just concentrate of doing the best they can but chasing someone else's numbers it's not going to happen just because you want to catch-up with them. It makes sense. Rafa wants to win every point he plays because he wants to win every tournament he enters but not because Federer has more slams than him but because there is no point in being a tennis pro unless you aim to win every tournament you play.
 
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icedevil0289

G.O.A.T.
nadal is the type, all credit to him, to say he doesn't care and then sneakily edge his way beyond fed's slam count while continuously saying roger is still the greatest of all time. he will never say that he wants the record. his camp however imo will say a different story, you know toni wants that record. Rafa was the type to kick roger's ass on clay and then be like how i can be the favorite, who is no.1 who has more slams? its annoying but its also a great method i guess for rafa.
 

clayqueen

Talk Tennis Guru
It's unbelievable that some of these posters accept what any elite athlete says to the press as gospel truth. What they say to the press is frequently disingenuous, prevaricating or flat out lies. Of course Nadal cares deeply about the slam race, as do Fed and Djokovic. Anyone who doesn't see this is, frankly, clueless.
People should just concentrate of doing the best they can but chasing someone else's numbers it's not going to happen just because you want to catch-up with them. It makes sense. Rafa wants to win every point he plays because he wants to win every tournament he enters but not because Federer has more slams than him.
 

clayqueen

Talk Tennis Guru
Rafa has achieved enough to be getting on with he doesn't need to have more slams than Federer just like Federer has achieved enough so he doesn't or shouldn't try and chase 12 slams at one event.
 

RaulRamirez

Legend
For Rafa - and for many other successful people - it's about respecting the process that has made him so successful. I'm sure he'd like the record, but he doesn't do what so many posters here do...and he does what many of us don't do.

He probably bases his happiness - even within his career - much less on how many majors he ends up with (even comparatively) than the most rabid fans (and media members) do. He knows what works for him, respects the process of preparing and competing, and also respects his rivals, and the sport, itself.

There are lessons to be learned in emulating this approach.
 

ADuck

Legend
Nadal has said he would like to pass Federer, but he isn't obsessed with that goal. This was brought up last year and I still think what he's saying makes perfect sense because it is in line with his character. I think people should just listen to his interviews as when quoted here his words are often misrepresented.
 

Jokervich

Hall of Fame
He has to say he doesn't care, because if he says he cares and then doesn't reach Federer's slam count, people will rub it in his face forever more.
 

clayqueen

Talk Tennis Guru
He has to say he doesn't care, because if he says he cares and then doesn't reach Federer's slam count, people will rub it in his face forever more.
Federer's slam count is no Mt Everest. Reaching the summit of a mountain is not a big deal if you are nearly there.
 

clayqueen

Talk Tennis Guru
If I ever asked my mother to buy me something because a friend had it the answer would be a big fat NO. That's the way we were brought up.
 
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