2022 was a year full of emotions and twists. Despite various problems, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal shared the first three Slams of the season. The Serbian had to skip the Australian Open and the US Open due to his vaccination status, but he lifted his year by triumphing at Wimbledon for the seventh time in his career (fourth in a row).
The Spaniard has also had several injuries this year, however, he managed to win at the Australian Open and Roland Garros. A torn abs affected his performance at Wimbledon and the US Open, preventing him from pursuing his 23rd Grand Slam.
2022 will also be remembered as the year of Roger Federer’s retirement. The 41-year-old player from Basel said goodbye to the tennis played at the Laver Cup, held at the O2 Arena in London from September 23 to 25. The King did everything he could to take one last walk, but the poor condition of his right knee led him to say enough.
In a recent interview with ‘SportKlub’, Aljaz Bedene addressed the question of the greatest of all time.
Bedene on the GOAT debate
«Let’s not close our eyes, Roger Federer had the biggest influence on tennis. The best, in terms of results, will definitely be Novak Djokovic.»
I am of the opinion that after the retirement of all members of the elite trio, the Serb will have the most Grand Slams, Masters, maybe even the number of tournaments. With the three of them I have played at least twice, ‘Nole’ has the hardest ball, he is perfect», he said.
«I remember being recognized and received even by the best, like Rafa Nadal at the last US Open. Despite their greatness, the greats of tennis are still only human; I got along with everyone for the most part. I was in the best relationships with Robert Bautista Agut, Damir Džumhur and of course most Serbs except Novak Djokovic.
We didn’t have the same schedule,» he revealed. Aljaz Bedene announced his decision to retire at the end of 2022. “I do. Before covid. I played the third round of Flushing with Zverev and lost in four sets, two of which were in overtime.
I was in the quarterfinals in Vienna, tied with Tsonga for the title in Metz, then the following year in February I beat Tsitsipas and lost to Auger-Aliassime in the quarterfinals. Had he played a good spring, he might have been close to the top 20, but then we found out in Indian Wells that the tournaments were cancelled.»
