At last year’s US Open, Novak Djokovic had the gluttonous chance to overtake Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the all-time Grand Slam standings, but his dream was shattered one step away from the finish line against Daniil Medvedev. If he won at Flushing Meadows, the Serbian phenomenon would have become the second man in the Open Era after Rod Laver to achieve the ‘Calendar Grand Slam’. 2022 did not start in the best way for the 34-year-old from Belgrade, who paid the consequences of his choice not to get vaccinated against Coronavirus. The world number 1 was unable to defend his title at the Australian Open, as well as suffering serious damage to his image. Strict US regulations forced him to miss the Indian Wells and Miami Masters 1000s as well. Nole, who has only played at the Dubai ATP this year (giving up in the quarterfinals to Jiri Vesely), will be back in action in Monte Carlo next week. In the latest episode of the ‘The Functional Tennis’ podcast, Arthur Fery said that Djokovic will finish with the most Grand Slams on the board.
Fery opens up on Roger Federer
“In terms of Grand Slam titles, it is going to be a good battle between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. I think Novak will overtake Rafa because he has more years in front of him and hopefully, COVID doesn’t stop him,” Fery said. “If COVID doesn’t become a problem in the future, Novak could easily get to 25.” In the GOAT debate, however, Arthur Fery said he was leaning towardsĀ Roger Federer. Hailing the Swiss maestro as the “most elegant and effortless” player the sport has ever seen, Fery asserted that he will always be the “GOAT of elegance.” “Everyone will keep Roger Federer’s name in their hearts forever [in the GOAT debate]. He was the most elegant player and the most effortless player to play the game,” Fery said. “I think, unfortunately, he won’t get past the 20 Grand Slams he has now but he will stay the GOAT of elegance.” We all miss the Swiss maestro in action, donāt we? Such has been the stature of Roger Federer, who has graced the sport for around 25 years now. His attacking game and audacious shot-making are like none other. Additionally, his single-handed backhands are a treat to watch. It has been exactly nine months since we last saw Federer play. Recently, he suffered a massive blow due to his lengthy injury lay-off.