Who has most tennis majors, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer? How will French Open impact GOAT race?

The French Open is nearly here, and the accolade of holding the most majors in the men’s game is once more up for grabs between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic himself has only played four times since February 27, an unprecedented state of affairs that sees the two tennis greats go into the French Open with huge levels of uncertainty around their form and wellbeing.

We assess how the French Open at Roland-Garros could influence the ‘GOAT’ – Greatest Of All Time – race.

WHO HAS THE MOST GRAND SLAM TITLES IN TENNIS?

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are tied together on 22 Grand Slams.

Djokovic won the most recent major at the Australian Open, taking him level with his great rival.

Roger Federer held the record for a long period, but retired last year on 20.

In the women’s game, Serena Williams also retired in 2022, ending with a tally of 23 Grand Slams, the most in the Open Era.

Australian Margaret Court holds the record for most of all time, with 24.

HOW WILL THE FRENCH OPEN IMPACT THE GOAT RACE?

With Nadal and Djokovic tied on 22 slams, a win for either at Roland-Garros will see them take the lead in the GOAT race.

Two more slams will remain thereafter in 2023, with Wimbledon and the US Open to follow.

In theory, one of Nadal or Djokovic could end 2023 with the most slams ever won in the Open Era; 24.

WILL NADAL AND DJOKOVIC PLAY AT THE FRENCH OPEN?

Doubt remains over the participation of Nadal and Djokovic at the French Open.

“Initially it had to be a six to eight week recovery period and we are now on fourteen,” Nadal said. “The reality is that the situation is not what we would have expected.

“All medical indications have been followed, but somehow the evolution has not been what they initially told us and we find ourselves in a difficult situation.

“The weeks are passing and I had the illusion of being able to play in tournaments that are the most important in my career such as Monte Carlo, Barcelona, ​​Madrid, Rome, Roland Garros and for the moment I have missed Monte Carlo and Barcelona. I will not be able to be in Madrid unfortunately.

“The injury still hasn’t healed and I can’t work out what I need to to compete. I can’t give deadlines because if I knew I would tell you but I don’t know. This is how things are now.”

Djokovic meanwhile played at the ATP 250 event in Banja Luka, Bosnia, but only managed two matches before losing to compatriot Dusan Lajovic.

He then withdrew from the Madrid Open, but has given no update since on his condition.

He has, however, been seen training without the brace in Spain, ahead of the forthcoming Italian Open in Rome.

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