Nadal Says Federer’s Majors Record Will Be Hard To Match

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 13th June 2013

Nadal Says Federer’s Majors Record Will Be Hard To Match

epa03741931 Swiss tennis player Roger Federer returns to German Cedrik-Marcel Stebe during their second round match at the ATP tennis tournament in Halle, Westphalia, Germany, 12 June 2013. EPA/OLIVER KRATO |

Rafael Nadal may own the French Open with a record eight titles, but even the king of clay admits that reaching the all-time mark of 17 grand slams held by Roger Federer will be a tough task.

Nadal told Spain’s Marca newspaper that even after winning his 12th major, the idea of ever surpassing Federer seems almost unreal. “It is something that right now seems light-years away, something that I am not even thinking about.”

Nadal, now back in Mallorca and resting his problem left knee before the June 24 start of Wimbledon, added that winning a dozen means little. “The normal, nothing special, “he said of his weekend accomplishment.

“Luckily, I have always had a team with me which has helped me in the good and the bad times. Luckily, I have had family and friends around me who have helped me.”

Federer is tuning up for a Wimbledon title defense on the grass of Halle and aiming for an eighth trophy at the All England Club. Nadal has won seven titles this season since returning in February form seven months off with his knee problems.