‘King of Clay’ Nadal nearing legend status: McEnroe
July 3rd, 2010 - 1:37 pm ICT by ANI
London, July 3(ANI): Former American tennis star John McEnroe believes that World No. 1 Rafael Nadal is destined to finish as one of the undisputed legends of tennis.
Nadal will be contesting his fourth successive Wimbledon final at the All England Club on Sunday.
“This guy (Nadal) is a chance to be there with Federer, Sampras and Rod Laver. He plays it down, but let’s face it: he’s 14 (wins) and seven (losses) against Federer. Federer’s the greatest player off all time, so if this guy stays healthy for another couple of years, how can you not put him in the same league as those guys?” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted McEnroe, as saying.
“My worry is simply health. A week ago, we were saying: ‘how on earth is this guy going to finish this tournament?’ Now we’re saying: ‘how in the world can you beat this guy?’” he added.
Nadal was ranked World No. 2, behind Roger Federer for a record 160 consecutive weeks before earning the top spot, which he then held from August 18, 2008 to July 5, 2009.
He regained the World No.1 ranking on June 7 after winning his fifth French Open title.
His success on clay has earned him the nickname “The King of Clay”, and has prompted many experts to call him the greatest clay court player of all time
The 24-year-old will play giant-killing Czech Tomas Berdych in the final. (ANI)
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- US Open 2010: McEnroe happy to see Murray on the offensive - Sep 01, 2010
- McEnroe backing Murray against Federer to win Wimbledon - Jun 17, 2009
- Sporting world unites to admire Federer - Jul 06, 2009
- The top male tennis player of all time - Jimmy Connors - Mar 02, 2011
- My game has matured: Berdych - Jan 03, 2011
- Berdych knocks out Murray, meets Federer in semis, Djokovic pulls out - Nov 12, 2011
- Nadal wins sixth Rome Masters title - May 21, 2012
- Nadal completes career Grand Slam with US Open victory (Lead) - Sep 14, 2010
- 'On-fire' Berdych says he 'doesn't fear anyone' following giant-killing spree - Jul 03, 2010
- Federer vows to return to Madrid after winning third title - May 14, 2012
- Nadal faces huge battle to complete career Grand Slam at US Open - Jul 06, 2010
- Australian Open: Nadal overcomes Berdych, to meet Federer in semis (Roundup) - Jan 24, 2012
- Sampras, Agassi to meet again in Paribas Showdown - Feb 20, 2011
- Federer, Tsonga chase history in ATP World Tour Finals - Nov 27, 2011
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