French Open: Roger Federer congratulates Rafael Nadal - "It's an honor to congratulate you"
Rafael Nadal has drawn level with Roger Federer in terms of Grand Slam title with his triumph at the 2020 French Open. He congratulated the Spaniard via social media and had nothing but respect for his competitors.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Oct 12, 2020, 09:49 am
Not the weeks as number one, not the tournaments they have won, and certainly not the prize money they have won, weigh the most for the great dominators of tennis. No, it is the trophies collected at major tournaments, the Grand Slam titles at the four major tournaments in Paris, Melbourne, London and New York City that became the greatest showdown between Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
The latter led this comparison for a long time, as the first player ever to succeed in cracking the "twenties mark". But now the Swiss have to share the place in the sun. W ith Rafael Nadal, the gentleman who celebrated his 13th Paris title in a truly impressive manner yesterday, and was able to increase his major account to 20.
After the French Open final, however, there was no resentment about the fact that the Iberian had caught up with Federer. Rather, the Swiss congratulated his opponent on social media: "I always had the greatest respect for my friend Rafa as a person and as a champion. As my greatest rival for many years, I believe that we have driven each other to make better players So it is a real honor for me to congratulate him on his 20th Grand Slam victory. "
Federer is planning a comeback in Australia
It is a very special achievement, said Federer, to win the French Open 13 times. An achievement that is not limited to tennis and can be classified as unique. "I hope 20 is just the next step on the way for both of us. Well done, Rafa. You deserve it," the 39-year-old finished his statement. That did not go unnoticed by Nadal, who said in the press conference after his victory: "I think that in a way he is happy when I win and I am happy when he does a good job."
After Federer skipped the US Open just like Nadal, the Basel native could not start at the French Open either. An operation on the knee currently forces the Swiss to take a longer break. But Federer wants to be fit again just in time for the next Grand Slam. Namely in Australia, where the race for most Grand Slam titles is getting a new chapter.
rg2020