Andy Murray hails Rafael Nadal's 13-title French Open record as 'one of sport's best-ever'

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Joe Krishnan12 October 2020

Andy Murray has described Rafael Nadal's haul of 13 French Open titles as "maybe the best" record in sport and predicts it will never be surpassed.

Nadal brushed aside the world number one and friendly rival Novak Djokovic for the third time in the Roland Garros final on Sunday, recording a comprehensive 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 victory on Philippe Chatrier.

It meant that the 34-year-old has now won an astonishing 100 out of 102 matches in his career on the French Open clay court, losing to Robin Soderling (2009) and Djokovic (2016).

By winning in Paris, Nadal tied Roger Federer's record of 20 Grand Slam singles titles - the most by any male tennis player.

But Murray believes it is his incredible success at the French Open which will leave an everlasting legacy in sport.

Nadal poses with the trophy after sealing his 13th French Open title  Photo: AP
AP

“Amazing achievement, I don’t think what he has done at Roland Garros will ever be beaten,” Murray said.

“He could win another one and make it 14 or 15, whatever he finishes on, but he is one short of winning the same amount of Grand Slams as [Pete] Sampras did [overall] at just one tournament.

“It’s incredible. I think it’s one of the best records in sport – maybe the best. I don’t think it will ever be repeated and I actually don’t think anyone will get close to it.”

Meanwhile, Murray has been elected as one of four new representatives to join the ATP Player Council.

Andy Murray says Nadal's achievement will never be beaten  Photo: Reuters
Reuters

The Scot joins Felix Auger-Aliassime, Jeremy Chardy and John Millman in being chosen by members of the ATP Player Council after Novak Djokovic, John Isner, Vasek Pospisil and Sam Querrey resigned.

Kevin Anderson, formerly the ATP Player Council’s vice president, will serve as its president.

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