"Doesn't matter which player is going to finish with more Slams because the level of Djokovic, Federer & myself is very equal" - Rafael Nadal after QF win over the Serb at the French Open

Rafael Nadal gave his thoughts on the GOAT debate after beating Novak Djokovic 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6(4) in the quarterfinals of the 2022 French Open on Tuesday.

Nadal believes not much separates Djokovic, Roger Federer, and himself, making it pointless to base the argument around Grand Slam tallies.

The Mallorcan, of course, leads the pack with 21 Majors, with Djokovic and Federer close behind on 20. While the Swiss is unlikely to add to his tally given his age and injury problems, Nadal and Djokovic are still very much active in the Grand Slam race.

Speaking to the media after his win, Rafael Nadal was asked to comment on his rivalry with Novak Djokovic, who he has faced a record 59 times. The Spaniard said that it was "always special" to play against the Serb.

"Well, this is one more episode, no. That's it. We played, as I said before, in the most important events, in the most important matches for a lot of years, and it's always special to play against each other," Rafael Nadal said.

Nadal and Djokovic usually lock horns in the finals or semifinals of a Major, making Tuesday's quarter-final clash seem a bit uncharacteristic. However, the Mallorcan still hailed their rivalry before pointing out how Federer, Djokovic, and himself have contributed to numerous memorable matches over the years.

"Tonight have been just a quarterfinals match, not the final. So that's different, no. But still a super classic match and in a big scenario," the Spaniard said. "So yeah, between Novak, Roger, myself, we have an amazing story together facing each other in the most important matches for such a long time. So that makes the things more special and more emotional."

Rafael Nadal made it clear that he does not give much weight to the Grand Slam race or to discussions about the greatest of all time since he believes each member of the Big 3 is on equal footing.

"But as I said, from my perspective, of course there is always a conversation about the player who finish with more slams or who is the best of the history, but from my perspective doesn't matter that much," the Mallorcan said. "We achieve our dreams. We make history in this sport because we did things that didn't happen before."

"So from my perspective, doesn't matter much which player going to finish with more slams or the best of the history because from my perspective, the level of our three is very equal," he added. "Is not much difference so doesn't matter."

"Always is a special match to play against Novak Djokovic" - Rafael Nadal

During the press conference, Rafael Nadal was asked if it was "extra special" beating Novak Djokovic. He answered in the positive, pointing out how historic their rivalry is.

"Well, of course we have a lot of history together, no? A lot important moments playing against each other," said the Spaniard. "That's the true. In that case always is a special match, play against Novak, no?"

Nadal revealed that he became emotional during and after the match, given the painful memories from the previous couple of months that kept playing in his head.

The 13-time champion suffered a stress fracture in his ribs at the Indian Wells Masters in March, following which he was forced to the sidelines for over a month. He also injured his foot in Rome and came into the French Open woefully short on match practice and fitness.

"I become emotional because, of course, the last three months and a half for me, the only thing that I can say is haven't been easy. So that's it," the Mallorcan said. "That's it. Not gonna be talking about all the things I went through last couple of months anymore now because I have to keep going, but of course haven't been a fun three months."

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