Rafael Nadal is getting closer and closer to a great Roger Federer record. The record in question concerns the running number of sets won in the slams. The Swiss is the first in this special ranking with 36 sets won between the US Open 2006, the Australian Open 2007 and Roland Garros 2007.
In second place is John McEnroe with 35 straight sets between the first round of Wimbledon ’84 and the semifinals against rival Jimmy Connors at the US Open that same year. Rafael Nadal had already come close to the record when they lined up 29 sets in a row between Roland Garros 2017 and Wimbledon 2017.
The Spaniard is now more than ever in the race for the record. He has won 33 sets thanks to an even set win over Fabio Fognini. In the game against Stefanos Tsitsipas the Mallorcan could catch up with his big rival, but it won’t be easy.
To understand the magnitude of the feat, just look at the names in the ranking. It should be remembered that until 2007 only Björn Borg and Roger Federer had managed to win a slam without losing a single set.
From then on, Rafa became a specialist with wins without conceding anything to the opponents at Roland Garros in 2008, 2010, 2017 and 2020. Roger Federer’s references as the greatest of all time have long been the subject of intense discussion.
Rod ‘Rocket’ Laver has now also dealt with this topic, calling Federer the predominant player of this era. However, the two main competitors of the Swiss could catch up with him in the future.
Laver reflects on the future of Roger Federer
“For me, Roger Federer is the champion of his era,” said Rod Laver. “I think he’s safe you know, you look at his files and there’s a lot to be said that he’s the best ever.”
While Laver believes Federer has little chance of winning another Roland Garros trophy, he claimed the Swiss is a strong candidate for the last two slams of the year. “I wouldn’t think too much about him winning the French Open, but I think Wimbledon will definitely be there and the US Open,” said the Australian legend.
“I think he can win more tournaments.” After this event, the Swiss maestro plans to play the other Grand Slam events and even the Olympic Games in 2021. It can be very difficult for him to win as he turns 40 this year. However, you can never count a 20-time major champion if you surprise everyone.
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