Rafael Nadal of Spain shakes hands at the net with Novak Djokovic of Serbia after their men’s singles final match at the 2013 US Open. Photo: News Limited Network
Novak Djokovic believes Rafael Nadal may soon replace him as world number one and has more than enough time to break Roger Federer’s benchmark 17 major titles after the Spaniard roared to the US Open title at Flushing Meadows yesterday.
Djokovic was beaten 6-2 3-6 6-4 6-1 by Nadal, who claimed the 13th singles slam of his career to move ahead of Australia’s Roy Emerson (12) on the all-time list.
Only Pete Sampras (14) and Roger Federer (17) are above the 27-year-old Nadal on the pecking order of major champions.
“Thirteen grand slams for a guy who is 27-years-old is incredible,” Djokovic said. “I mean, whatever he has achieved so far in his career is something that everybody should respect. No question about it.
“I was saying before, he’s definitely one of the best tennis players ever to play the game. Looking at his achievements and his age, at this moment – he still has a lot of years to play. That’s all I can say.”
Nadal seems certain to overtake Djokovic as world number one by the end of the year. – Reuters
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