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“A Serious Wrinkle”: Andy Roddick Reflects on Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam Race in 2022
The 2021 ATP season officially ended with Alexander Zverev defeating Daniil Medvedev to lift his second ATP Finals title. And so, tennis fans are already looking forward to the 2022 season, awaiting Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s return. More importantly, Novak Djokovic leveled the Major title race in 2021 at 20 Grand Slams with the two archrivals. It begs the question: Who will have the most Grand Slams at the end of the 2022 season?
Notably, the former World No.1 and 2003 US Open champion Andy Roddick reflected on the Grand Slam race next year. While he emphasized Novak’s undecided Australian Open participation and Rafa’s return, he also raised doubts about Federer’s comeback. Indeed, a theory to look forward to in the coming season.
Andy Roddick on Grand Slam race between Federer, Rafa, and Novak in 2022
To begin with, Roddick raised the obvious question of whether Djokovic will be playing Australian Open 2022. But since the Serbian ace has decided to wait, Roddick talked about his tennis in the last decade.
“Given the runway and toll on the bodies and what we have seen as far as bodies breaking down, Novak seemingly has the longest runway and has been playing the best consistently for the last 5 or 10 years even, but he only got better this year,” Roddick explained.
Tennis – ATP Finals – Pala Alpitour, Turin, Italy – November 15, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic poses as he celebrates with the trophy for his 2021 world number one ranking after winning his group stage match against Norway’s Casper Ruud REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
In addition to that, the retired American professional cannot say the same about Nadal and Federer. Thus, Roddick considers Djokovic the favorite over Nadal in Melbourne; however, he doesn’t overlook the situation.
“I don’t think Rafa’s the favorite regardless of Novak’s there or not as it currently stands, but there’s a serious wrinkle,” Roddick added.
Aug 5, 2021; Washington, DC, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a forehand against Lloyd Harris of South Africa (not pictured) during the Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
In the end, the now Tennis Channel expert reflected on his friend Federer’s comeback.
“Unfortunately, I don’t think the days of Roger winning Grand Slam are here,” Roddick said. “I would love to be proven wrong, but there’s a serious uphill battle.”
Roger Federer announces unfortunate news ahead of the 2022 season
Recently, the 40-year-old Swiss maestro announced that he won’t return to practice until March-April 2022. Thus, Federer will miss Australian Open for the second consecutive year.
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 7, 2021 Switzerland’s Roger Federer leaves Centre Court after losing his quarter final match against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz Pool via REUTERS/Edward Whitaker TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Additionally, Federer also claimed that it would be “very difficult to play” Wimbledon next year. Hence, the Grand Slam race in 2022 might rely majorly on Djokovic and Nadal.
Only time will tell what the next season has in stock for tennis fans. Who do you think will end with Most Grand Slam titles next year?
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The post “A Serious Wrinkle”: Andy Roddick Reflects on Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam Race in 2022 appeared first on EssentiallySports.
