Roger Federer will not be losing any sleep over whether rival Rafael Nadal can match his men’s record of 20 grand slam singles titles, according to his long-term coach Severin Luthi.
The 38-year-old Swiss began the year three ahead of second-placed Nadal’s haul but the Spaniard claimed a 12th French Open title this year followed up by winning the US Open this month.
It has re-energised the GOAT (greatest of all time) debate with Nadal, who has 19 slams, looking back to his best after injury concerns earlier this year.
Never in his career has Nadal been only one grand slam title behind Federer, who squandered two match points against Novak Djokovic in this year’s Wimbledon final.
“No, I don’t think he stresses (about Nadal catching him up),” Swiss Luthi, who has toured with Federer since 2007, said.
“He focuses on himself. He has a lot of respect for Rafa and knows what it takes to win that many titles.
“I don’t see him in any way stressed. He won’t be completely destroyed if Rafa makes the 20.”
Luthi said fans of tennis should savour watching the two greats, rather than obsess about who is superior.
“It’s good for the fans. Especially the ones who thought it was all over when Roger had 16 or 17 and Rafa had 14.”
We get it you hate Federer
Stix
Guest
Djokovic is the best tennis player in the world and barring injuries will eventually win the most slams! Nadal in the meantime will go past FAKE GOAT FEDERER and finally put to bed the Federer myth. Federer (20 titles - 11 runner ups) could only beat up on guys like Roddick (4-0), Murray (3-0) and Cilic (2-0) in grand slam finals and versus Djokovic and Nadal he is 4 wins and 10 losses at 28% - 4 out of 14 in the most important matches of his career = fake goat/tennis propaganda! Federer is a very nice guy though who loves the sport - no shame in being the 3rd best player.
Stix
Guest
Federer is a joke as the GOAT! 10 wins and 20 losses in grand slams @ 33% and 4 wins and 10 losses in GRAND SLAM FINALS @ 28% versus Nadal and Djokovic. He is the 3rd best player in his era.
Michael Pallaris
Roar Rookie
I can see Nadal surpassing Federer's Grand Slam count as early as next year. Winning the French Open is almost a given, while he also seems to thrive at the US Open.