World number one Andy Murray believes that no tennis player ever again will be able to pull of a Rafa Nadal and win 10 Grand Slam titles at one of the four Major events.
Spaniard Nadal made history last week by making it all the way at Roland Garros for the record 10th time in his career. The 31-year-old became the first player ever to complete La Decima on the clay of Paris, firming the case that he is the greatest clay-courter in tennis history and the best player in the history of the Parisian Major event.
Scot Murray himself has yet to win a title at Roland Garros, with his best run at the tournament being a runner-up finish in 2016.
The 30-year-old had his run concluded in the semi-final this year, losing to eventual runner-up Stan Wawrinka.
''I don't really know how to explain that. It's difficult to win a Grand Slam once but to do it 10 times at the same place, on a surface which is physically so demanding, but mentally is a tough surface as well -- long points and long rallies'' Murray told Sky Sports News HQ.
The history
It all started 12 years ago, in 2005, when Rafa Nadal went all the way at Roland Garros in his debut appearance at the event. By 2014 the world number two was a nine-time champion, but a not so great campaign in 2015 and an injury-plagued one last year respectively, delayed a bit the Spaniard's historic achievement.
But, this time there was nothing which could prevent Nadal from yet another winning run in Paris this year. The now 15-time Grand Slam champion showed up big-time in Paris, losing no sets and dropping just 35 games in seven matches played at the tournament. Nadal's claiming a 10th Roland Garros main glory will ultimately go down as one of the greatest achievements in sports history.
Time hasn't expired
Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray won't be surprised if 31-year-old Rafa Nadal adds more Roland Garros success to his name before he calls it a career.
Should Nadal of Spain stay healthy, something which will be the key to his longevity on the tour, he would certainly be high on the Roland Garros title favorites list in the years to come as well.
Seeing Nadal ending champion once again on the Parisian clay is an expected thing to happen.
''He has been a little bit unfortunate with injuries over the last couple of seasons,'' Murray added. ''But, maybe he can add to that next year, who knows...but I don't think that (someone winning 10 Grand Slam titles at one place) will happen again.''
