Andy Murray believes that Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will fight it out for the most men's Grand Slam titles and surpass Roger Federer.
The day after Nadal’s 13th French Open triumph saw him equal Federer’s 20 majors, Murray saluted the Spaniard’s achievement, which he put into startling perspective.
‘He is one short of winning the same amount of Grand Slams as Pete Sampras did (14), and at just one tournament,’ said Murray. ‘I think it’s one of the best records in sport, maybe the best. I don’t think it will ever be repeated or anyone will get close to it.’
Murray, who returns to action on Tuesday in Cologne, believes that Nadal and Djokovic, who has 17 Grand Slam titles, will pull ahead of Federer’s haul.
He said: ‘Someone can get injured, have an issue like I had that changes your career. But providing they stay fit and if they retire all at the same age, then I think it would be between Rafa and Novak.’
After his heavy defeat against Stan Wawrinka in Paris, Murray returns to the fray against Spain’s Fernando Verdasco at the bett1HULKS Indoors, the first of two tournaments in Cologne. Kyle Edmund, who missed Roland Garros, is also back in action against South African Lloyd Harris.
Murray said: ‘I want to try and get tournaments in because my body tends to feel better the more I play.
‘Sometimes the hip has worked really well and sometimes not so well. I am hoping it should be good but I was told it was going to be an 18-month process.’
Cam Norrie beat No 8 seed Taylor Fritz 6-4 4-6 6-3 in the first round of the St Petersburg Open on Monday, but Dan Evans was knocked out by Wawrinka.Â
The British No 1 let three match points slip in the second set and eventually went down 3-6 7-6 7-5.
