"If question is who has more great titles, answer is Rafael Nadal, but if we talk about best ever there are other factors" - Ilie Nastase on GOAT debate

Rafael Nadal has made a remarkable comeback to the tour in 2022, after spending six months on the sidelines with a knee injury. The Spaniard is unbeaten so far this season, winning three titles, including a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam at the Australian Open in January.

The 35-year-old's triumph in Melbourne reignited the GOAT debate involving himself and rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Federer and Djokovic were absent from the first Major of the year; the former with a knee injury, and the latter due to his vaccination status.

In a recent interview, former World No. 1 Ilie Nastase weighed in on the GOAT debate involving the three players. He said that while there are several factors to consider when deciding who is the greatest, there is no denying that Rafael Nadal now has the highest number of "great titles" under his belt.

"It is clear that if the question is who has more great titles, the answer is Nadal," Nastase told MARCA. "If we talk about the best ever there are other factors. Roger Federer has impressive talent...But there is no doubt that Rafa has 21 Grand Slams and Federer and Djokovic have not."

Nastase further spoke about Federer and Djokovic's chances of adding to their tally. The Romanian said that Federer's chances are diminishing, but that the Swiss should never be counted out.

"He is playing very little lately, but he will always have a chance if he continues to play and reaches a final," Nastase said.

The former World No. 1 added that he leveled no judgment towards Djokovic, but the minute he was the only unvaccinated player, his problems were inevitable.

"From the moment that everyone has been vaccinated except him, he has a problem," he said. "Although I am not going to be the one to judge him because he does not compete with me."

Romania have no chance against Spain in Davis Cup, even without Rafael Nadal playing: Ilie Nastase

Carlos Alcaraz will represent Spain against Romania

During the interview, Ilie Nastase also spoke about the upcoming Davis Cup qualifying tie between Spain and Romania. The Romanian insisted that his country has little chance, even though the Spanish contingent are without Rafael Nadal.

"We have no chance of winning because Spain, even without Nadal, has many players to choose from," Nastase said.

Carlos Alcaraz, a recent entrant in the top 20 of the ATP rankings, leads the charge for the Spanish team. The 18-year-old will take on Marius Copil in his first match on Friday. 2019 Davis Cup Finals hero Roberto Bautista Agut will square off against Gabi Adrian Boitan.