Former Croatian sensation Goran Ivanisevic fully believes that Rafael Nadal will somehow find a way to surpass the all-time record of 17 grand slam singles titles held by Roger Federer.
The popular 2001 Wimbledon winner, who claimed his only long title at a major after years of near-misses, says that the Spaniard, currently on 13, could even retire with up to 20 top honours.
Ivanisevic told British media that the 27-year-old might also still be able to achieve the holy grail of winning all four majors in the same calendar year. “When Roger broke the record of Pete Sampras on 14 (slam titles) we thought that would never be broken, but I don’t think that any more,” said the colourful Croatian, first of the game’s huge servers back in the day.
“I think Nadal will retire with more slams than Federer. I can see him winning three more French Opens – that would take him to 11 (in Paris). It sounds crazy, but he is that good.” Nadal has demonstrated his superiority this season, taking over the No. 1 ranking and winning ten titles so far in 2013.
Ivanisevic calls Novak Djokovic the only serious rival to the Spaniard on clay, adding that the Serb “came really close this year at the French Open (five-set semi-final).
“But that experience might make it more difficult for him in the future. You have to put your body and mind through a lot to stay with Nadal on clay, and I’m not sure he will be able to do it again.”
Ivanisevic is still in the tennis mix at age 42 and will compete in early December at the annual seniors event at the Royal Albert Hall along with John McEnroe, Tim Henman, Pat Rafter and Stefan Edberg.
Topics: 10sballs, Goran Ivanisevic, John Mcenroe, Novak Djokovic, Pete Sampras, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News, Wimbledon
RT @10sBalls_com: Ivanisevic Predicts Great Success For Nadal: Former Croatian sensation Goran Ivanisevic fully believes … http://t.co/jb…
RT @10sBalls_com: Ivanisevic Predicts Great Success For Nadal: Former Croatian sensation Goran Ivanisevic fully believes … http://t.co/jb…