FLUSHING MEADOWS, N.Y. — Inside Tennis: Congratulations, Toni, what a triumph, job well done. What are you feeling at this very special moment?
Toni Nadal: I am feeling very happy now.
IT: What has made playing the Open in New York so tough for Rafa in the past?
TN: All of the things. The hard court is difficult for us and the balls here are soft, altogether it is difficult. But the ending is the most important thing. There are many very good players and it is always very difficult to win a tournament. You must play against Djokovic or Federer or Del Potro.
IT: Rafa had such a fabulous run here. He held serve so often and with such confidence. What was the key for Rafa stepping up here at the Open?
TN: Attitude.
RN: What was Rafa’s attitude?
TN: When I arrived here Rafa’s attitude was not too good from Cincinnati and Toronto. We did not have good play there and had some problems, no? But here every day was better, better, better and I think he progressed very,very good and today was a wonderful match with Novak, perhaps.
IT: You have known this man, this athlete your entire life. What is his greatest attribute? Why has he been able to step above?
TN: The faith.
IT: The faith?
TN: No, the face. When things are not going too good, Rafa has always been with good face.
IT: Now, at just 24, he can go on and continue to win on all surfaces?
TN: Yes.
IT. Well, thank you so much Toni and again congratulations. Rafa has brought so much to our sport.
Just minutes after Novak Djokovic came off court after falling to Nadal 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 he went into the press room where Inside Tennis asked about Rafa and Roger Federer:
IT: Thank you for all you’ve given to all of us …for the past couple weeks. You’ve had the unique experience of playing Roger and then Rafa back to back [these past two days]. Could you just take a moment and compare their two games and who would you say is better at this point? We know Nadal has had a better year, but…
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Look, we cannot judge who is better on one tournament. At this point there is five, six years’ difference between them, and basically Federer had more years on the tour, he had more success; he has more trophies. He’s definitely somebody who made history in this sport. He’s still playing as one of the best players in the world. [On] the other hand, you have Nadal who is just proving each day, each year that he’s getting better, you know. That’s what’s so frustrating, a little bit. He’s getting better each time you play him. He’s so mentally strong and dedicated to this sport. He has all the capabilities, everything he needs, in order to be the biggest ever, [in] my opinion. He has lots of time to come if he physically holds on the next five, six, seven years. I don’t know how long he’s gonna play. Anyway, he has the game now for each surface, and he has won each Major. He has proven to the world that he’s the best in this moment, so there is no question about it.
