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Rafael Nadal has already lined up 18 wins in major tournaments in 2022. Number 19 will not be given to him.
Legend:
Biting as ever
Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon.
IMAGO/Xinhua
Because no world ranking points are awarded at this year’s Wimbledon tournament, there was often talk of an exhibition event in advance. However, there was no sign of this on the first 9 days of the tournament. The emotions – positive and negative – are as great as ever at a Grand Slam tournament. This is shown not least by the jubilation of Rafael Nadal (ATP 4) after his round of 16 victory against Botic van de Zandschulp on Monday evening.
The Spaniard has already played a number of exhibitions in his highly decorated career, including several with Roger Federer. Wimbledon 2022 is definitely not an exhibition tournament for Nadal. On the contrary: The former world number 1 will cope with the missing ranking list points, for the major record winner it is about much more: Nadal still has the chance to create the Grand Slam, i.e. all 4 Grand Slam tournaments in the same calendar year to win.
The chance for the 36-year-old will hardly be better than now. Nadal currently has 18 wins in a row at major tournaments, 10 more successes separate the Mallorcan from the Grand Slam. A milestone that only two men have achieved so far: Don Budge (1938) and Rod Laver (1962 and 1969).
No. 19 could be in danger
With his third triumph in Wimbledon, Nadal would be only too happy to extend the lead over Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer (20 each) in terms of Grand Slam titles. But even this task is difficult for the 22-time champion. In the quarterfinals on Wednesday, Taylor Fritz (ATP 14) is one of 3 players waiting for Nadal, who has already defeated the Spaniard this year – even in a final.
In March, Fritz triumphed for the first time at the ATP 1000 level thanks to a 6: 3, 7: 6 win against Nadal in Indian Wells, at the same time the American also ended his opponent’s 20-game winning streak. Now Fritz on Church Road could turn out to be Nadal’s serial killer again.
On paper, Nadal is the clear favorite in the encounter. The 36-year-old is in a Grand Slam quarterfinal for the 47th time, Fritz for the first time ever.
Nadal will certainly not underestimate his opponent, who is 12 years his junior, because Fritz certainly has the prerequisites to pose difficulties for the veteran. On the way to the quarterfinals he hasn’t dropped a single set. Fritz’ strong serve and hard forehand are particularly effective on grass. But is that enough to end Nadal’s dream of the Grand Slam?