Rafael Nadal says he won't win more Grand Slams than Novak Djokovic: "But I will give myself the opportunity to enjoy it again"

Although his return to the sport is imminent, tennis superstar Rafael Nadal does not believe he will be able to overtake rival Novak Djokovic in total number of Grand Slam titles won.

The Spaniard has been out of action due to injury since the 2023 Australian Open, but hopes to return in time for the first Grand Slam of the season in Melbourne next year. Nadal currently holds 22-Grand Slam singles titles to his name, second only to Djokovic who sits atop the list with 24 titles, the most by a male player in the Open Era.

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In a recent interview, the former World No.1 spoke on the likelihood of him passing his Serbian foe in terms on Grand Slam titles. Nadal shot down the idea, choosing instead to focus on being able to enjoy tennis again.

"I don't know at what level I will be able to return, but I have never lost my enthusiasm," said the 37-year old. "I haven't played for a year & for me, personal success is more powerful than general success. I sense that it will be difficult to recover a high level of tennis, but if I did not have the hope of being competitive again, I would not have done the work I have done these months & the effort that this requires after a very long career. I am not going to win more Grand Slams than Djokovic, but I will give myself the opportunity to enjoy it again.”