Google News Mahesh Bhupathi picks Rafael Nadal as 'GOAT' following latest French Open victory
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 9387
Former doubles world No. 1 Mahesh Bhupathi has stated that the greatest tennis player of all time is definitely settled for the time being following Rafael Nadal's French Open victory. In the French Open final, Nadal crushed Casper Ruud in straight sets to win a record 14th French Open title.
Following his latest victory, Nadal now has 22 Grand Slams - two more than Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. "I think it's definitely over for the time being, today when the challengers are coming so close to beating these guys.
Winning three Grand Slams titles (in a row) is not a given obviously Novak (Djokovic) will go to Wimbledon as a favourite but three is a long way off when it comes to Grand Slam titles," Bhupathi said in an exclusive interview to WION news.
Bhupathi: Nadal's French Open victory beyond special
Bhupathi, who in 1997 became the first Indian Grand Slam winner, said he's a huge Federer fan but noted Nadal's numbers don't lie. "I am a huge Roger Federer fan, the guy is a magician on the tennis court.
But statistics don't lie and I can't believe it. 14 time French Open champion is mind-boggling to be honest because I don't think a layman understands the physicality of winning at Roland Garros," Bhupathi added. Nadal was dealing with a chronic foot issue and his fitness level was questioned going into the French Open.
Nadal decided to compltely anesthetize his foot and he was able to compete for two weeks and ultimately come out as the winner. "And with everything, Rafa went through and we heard him speaking to the media after the final that he had to take injections in his foot so his foot was numb in the last 5-6 matches.
And still getting through that tough section of the draw and winning again is beyond special," Bhupathi added.