Toni Nadal has revealed his desire is to see his nephew Rafa Nadal make it past Swiss Roger Federer on the Grand Slam titles record list. Federer, 36, has collected a record 20 Grand Slam titles. Meanwhile, Spain's Nadal is the second on the list, having won 16 Major titles.
Nadal and Federer dominated the Grand Slam level this year. The two greats captured two Major titles each this season. Prior to this season, Nadal was yet to win a Grand Slam title since the 2014 French Open. On the other side, Federer was seeking his first Major title since the 2012 Wimbledon.
‘‘I want Rafa to overcome Federer’s Grand Slam titles,’‘ Toni told Efe Radio, per George Bellshaw of Metro UK. ‘‘I know it won’t be easy, but I didn’t think that Federer could win more too.‘‘
The throwback year of Nadal and Federer
Both players were set to put an end to their Grand Slam title drought at the beginning of the 2017 season. Federer and Nadal clinched a final meeting at the Australian Open. Federer eventually won his first Major title in five years after prevailing over Nadal in a five-setter.
Nadal, who dominated the entire clay-court season, made it all the way at the French Open. The 31-year-old didn't lose a set on his way to collecting his 10th French Open title. Federer didn't play at the French Major, having decided to skip the entire clay season.
Nadal's great season led to many thinking he could also win Wimbledon once again. However, the 2008 and 2010 Wimbledon champion couldn't get the job done at The Championships. Gilles Muller just narrowly beat the Spaniard in five sets in the last 16.
On the other side, Federer was a man on a mission at The All England Club.
The 36-year-old won his eighth Wimbledon title this past July. Just like Nadal at the French Open, the Swiss didn't lose a single set at Wimbledon.
Nadal and Federer were the top favorites to win it all at the US Open. Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, and Stan Wawrinka were all absent from the event. Nadal and Federer were on the brink of meeting in the US Open semi-finals.
But, it fell apart after the Swiss lost in the quarter-finals to Juan Martin del Potro. Nadal beat del Potro before defeating Kevin Anderson in the final to claim the title.
Can Nadal pull it off?
Rafa Nadal definitely has a shot at passing Roger Federer on the list. However, the Spaniard, in order to do so needs to have all the pieces together. Nadal has clearly been exceptionally prepared, confident and motivated this year. He needs to keep the same going forward if he wants to add more Major success to his name.
But, much will depend on Federer himself. Though 36, the Swiss could very well win more Grand Slam titles if he continues to perform at a high level. Also, the age difference could be a factor, as Nadal, 31, seems to have more playing years left than the 36-year-old.
