Novak Djokovic says fire is still burning as GOAT debate with Rafael Nadal moves to French Open

Novak Djokovic clinched his record-extending 10th Australian Open title, but the Serbian said that there is still a lot of fire inside him as the GOAT debate continues between him and Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic, who regained the world number one position, is tied with Nadal in the number of Grand Slams in the men’s singles – 22. While it seems the debate may never settle, it moves to the French Open with the two leapfrogging the other.

If Melbourne Park’s blue courts belong to Djokovic, then the red clay courts of Roland Garros are Nadal’s. Among the Big 3, Roger Federer convinced his mind last year to settle his career with 20 Grand Slams.

“I think there’s still a lot of that fire inside of me that is burning of passion for the sport and for competition and I think that’s what allows me to still push myself to the limit,” Djokovic said.

“In the practice sessions, day in, day out after so many years to go through the same routines, repetitively, that sometimes is not so interesting. But I know that there is always a greater goal and a guiding star, so to say, and this trophy is one of those guiding stars, it’s something that I always strive to achieve.”

Djokovic overcame the hindrance caused by a hamstring issue to reclaim the Australian Open title after being deported from Melbourne last year. Meanwhile, Nadal is confident to recover from the hip flexor issue he suffered during the Australian Open in time to bid for a 15th French Open title.

Djokovic and Nadal look promising to continue the back end of their glittering careers, while women’s tennis continued to suffer from inconsistency and a void left by the 23-time major singles champion Serena Williams.