Former British player John Lloyd thinks that Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer haven't been truthful when discussing record books as opposed to Novak Djokovic.
Tennis players play the game of tennis mostly because they love it but for a lot of them it's an obsession. You don't become as good as Djokovic, Federer, Nadal, and the like by just playing the game out of love. No, you get to that level by being obsessed with it, so much so that everything in your life becomes less important.
There have been great talents in the past but what separates legends from talents is the sacrifice and hours of work you put in. Nadal's career is a good example of a player who was incredibly dedicated to his craft. Djokovic's as well, same with Federer whose passion early in his career is long-forgotten due to his more mature approach in the second part of his career.
Those old enough among you will remember how maniacal a young Federer was about winning and the sheer competitive nature that always followed him, even when little. That's why former player John Lloyd thinks it's disingenuous from Nadal and Federer to dismiss chasing records as opposed to Djokovic who does openly speak about records motivating him to keep going.
One of the things I do love about Novak is that he has said he was chasing the record and it meant a lot to him. Whereas, much as I loved Rafa and Roger, they were saying that they weren't really concerned about breaking the record and blah blah blah. And I don't believe that for one second. I'm sorry to say that but I don't.
They are more careful in the way they let it be known but both Nadal and Federer care according to Lloyd. After all, despite claiming that he doesn't care bout being GOAT, Nadal did admit that he cares about his legacy. As Lloyd put it, every player wants records.
“I think Novak is the one that’s telling the truth. Every player wants records. This is what they live for,” he added.
0 Comments