US Open 2021: ‘Young’ Novak Djokovic's big revelation about rival Nadal

US Open 2021- Novak Djokovic: Behind every sports legend, there is a story behind it. Hard work, passion, and perseverance are among key things that Test at times. But they also become your fuel for success depending on how you react to your low time in the professional sphere. World No.1 Tennis player Novak Djokovic’s story to the pinnacle to top-flight tennis is his mindset of ‘never giving up’. In an old statement that has gone viral on the Internet, Djokovic can be seen all praise for Spanish legend Rafael Nadal after losing him in straight sets in 2007.

“To reach Nadal’s level, I have to practice a lot, just like other players. I know I have to work and raise certain game elements in the future. I believe I belong in the top-5 or even top-3 at the moment, but I do not think about that too much, trying to stay focused and wait for the results to come,” he had said as quoted by tennisworldusa.org

“I’m in the top-10 now, and the plan is to continue forward and embrace new challenges. I have proven to everyone that I’m capable of playing against the world’s best players,” he had added.

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Back in 2007, the world’s finest players Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were still the players to beat. The Serb had won the Adelaide Open before progressing to round 4 at the Australian Open, losing to Federer. When the Swiss toppled Djokovic and left the door open for his rivals following an early loss in Indian Wells, Djokovic grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He defeated Andy Murray to advance into his first ATP Master 1000 without losing a set. However, Nadal won the final 6-2, 7-5.

US Open 2021: ‘Young’ Novak Djokovic once said, ‘Wish to reach Nadal’s level,’ now ready to overtake him with record 21st Grand Slam

14 years later, Rafael Nadal congratulated Novak Djokovic on winning his 20th Grand Slam at Wimbledon 2021.

“Congrats @DjokerNole on this amazing achievement. 20 Grand Slam titles is huge and it is amazing that we are 3 players tied on this. Well done and, again, congrats to you and your team for this! @Wimbledon,” tweeted Nadal.

US Open 2021 Prize money: Check prize money breakdown for singles and doubles tournaments inside

Federer also congratulated him on equalling him and Nadal on 20 Grand Slams title.

“Congrats Novak on your 20th major. I am proud to have the opportunity to play in a special era of tennis champions. Wonderful performance, well done,” Federer said in a tweet.

🇷🇸 @DjokerNole‘s road to a fourth #USOpen title

Round 1: Qualifier
Round 2: Struff
Round 3: Goffin
Round 4: De Minaur
Quarterfinals: Berrettini
Semifinals: Zverev
Final: Medvedev pic.twitter.com/9Rtq4lPfwQ

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 26, 2021

Most Grand Slams

Novak Djokovic can overtake Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to win most grand slams in men’s singles. The three big players in men’s tennis have won 20 Grand Slams each.

Novak Djokovic (Serbia)

Australian Open: 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021

French Open: 2016, 2021

Wimbledon: 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021

US Open: 2011, 2015, 2018

US Open 2021 Draws: Novak Djokovic’s road to US Open finals revealed- check out

Rafael Nadal (Spain)

Australian Open: 2009

French Open: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

Wimbledon: 2008, 2010

US Open: 2010, 2013, 2017, 2019

Roger Federer (Switzerland)