During a recent press conference at Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal provided his typically modest and tongue-in-cheek perspective on one of the most impenetrable records in tennis history—his 14 French Open titles.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner was questioned on whether he would feel threatened if anyone were to someday break his clay-court brilliance. Nadal’s reply? A smirk and a not-so-subtle dig at the scale of the challenge: “That can be done, but it’s gonna take a while… at least 30 more years,” he laughed.
Rafael Nadal, whose career has been founded on a peerless dominance at Roland Garros, reacted with humility and insight when questioned how he’d feel if a fellow player ever surpassed him with 14 titles.
“Always said the same,” Nadal started. “Even if I know that’s gonna be tough… being honest… I really believe that if I did it, I don’t feel like someone very very special. Another one is gonna arrive and they’re gonna do that too.”
Nadal outlined the essential components that went into creating his phenomenal success in Paris. “A lot of things need to occur in your favor to make it happen,” he explained. “You have to have a long career. You cannot have a lot of injuries… even if I did. I retired only here once in 2016.
14 French Open Titles for Rafael Nadal: A Challenge for the Next Generation
While records are meant to be broken, Nadal’s own words indicate his may not be among them, at least not in the near future.
“To win 14 Grand Slams in the same location here at Roland Garros. That is possible, but it’s going to take a while. At least 30 more years,” he joked.
Although the line was made in jest, the underlying reality is difficult to deny. In a sport where succeeding in one Grand Slam is a colossal feat, to win 14 in one venue is, for the time being, distinctly Nadal.
As tennis fans watch the next aspiring players emerge, Rafael Nadal’s record at Roland Garros is still the standard to beat.
And as much as he’s willing to accept someone eventually passing him, it’s apparent that this will take nearly a superhuman amount of excellence—and maybe a little bit of Nadal’s good fortune and determination.