'It’s tough to find anyone close to his legacy on clay,' Daniil Medvedev compares Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic’s dominance on clay

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal‘s rivalry is renowned in tennis, triggering multiple continuous discussions for the ‘GOAT’ comparisons. Similarly, Russian ace Daniil Medvedev gave his take on Nadal’s dominance on clay surpassing Djokovic’s, considering the Spaniard’s numerous titles and victories on that surface.

Since Nadal announced his participation at the Barcelona Open, he has risen to become the center of attention. With an encouraging run in Barcelona and Madrid, the Spaniard looks to be growing in form on the clay surface he has been dubbed a ‘King’ of.

For the record, the 37-year-old has won 92 ATP singles titles, with 63 of them on the clay court, including 14 French Open titles. He has the most remarkable winning streak of 81 matches on clay, the longest in the Open Era. However, Djokovic also has won 19 clay titles, including three French Open crowns.

The gap between the duo was extended in Madrid after Nadal earned his 408th clay surface win, beating Pedro Cachin to reach the round of 16. Novak Djokovic sits in second position with 403 wins.

With this background in mind, Daniil Medvedev was questioned about whether Djokovic’s proficiency on clay has been overshadowed by Nadal’s dominance. The World No.4 revealed that Nadal’s achievements on clay give him the edge over Djokovic but maintained it was a tough call.

Well, for sure. When we have Rafa in the same generation winning 14 Roland Garros, I don't know, 10 Rome, I don't even remember the exact number, it's tough to find anyone close to his legacy on clay. But Novak, he's amazing on all the surfaces. Maybe because of Rafa on clay, he has a bit less titles than he could have had. It works the same for Rafa. If there would not be Novak on the hard and grass, maybe Rafa would have more titles there. Daniil Medvedev said via Rome Press

Djokovic and Nadal are competing at the Rome Masters, the first tournament this season both legends are competing. While Nadal is the undisputable King of Clay, tennis lovers won’t mind the two very best of the sport giving their all on the Italian soil.