NEW YORK – Rafa Nadal moved within one Grand Slam title of tying Roger Federer's all-time mark of 20 on Sunday but even after adding a fourth U.S. Open to his collection the Spaniard said it was his love of the game, not records, that motivates him.
Nadal fended off a late comeback from Daniil Medvedev to win a five-set classic at Flushing Meadows, winning a 19th slam that also took him three clear of Novak Djokovic's 16 titles.
“I am playing tennis because I love to play tennis,” Nadal told reporters. “I can't just think about Grand Slams. Tennis is more than Grand Slams. I need to think about the rest of the things.
“I play to be happy. Of course, the victory of today makes me super happy.”
It is anyone's guess who among the 'Big Three' will finish their career with the most slams.
Rafael Nadal poses with the championship trophy after defeating Daniil Medvedev of Russia in the men's singles final on day fourteen of the 2019 US Open. Photo: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
At 33, Nadal may have the edge on Federer, the 38-year-old Swiss crashing out of the U.S. Open in the quarter-finals and failing to add to his Grand Slam titles since winning the 2018 Australian Open.
If nowhere else, Nadal will be a hot favourite at the French Open, where he has won a record 12 titles including the last three.
He said that while he was honoured to be part of the battle to be crowned the greatest of all time, and thrilled if it attracted more fans to the game, he would still sleep well if he comes up short.
“You can't be all day looking next to you about if one having more or one having little bit less because you will be frustrated,” he said.
“All the things that I achieved in my career are much more than what I ever thought and what I ever dream.
“I would love to be the one who have more. But I really believe that I will not be happier or less happy if that happens or not happen,” he said.
“What gives you the happiness is the personal satisfaction that you gave your best.
“In that way I am very, very calm, very pleased with myself.”