Rafael Nadal insists Roger Federer Slam record not on his mind

Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates his win over Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka during their match at the ATP Cup in Perth, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. (AP Photo/Trevor Collens)

World number one Rafael Nadal insisted Wednesday he isn’t focused on matching Roger Federer’s record Glam Slam haul at the Australian Open this month.

The 33-year-old last year won the French and US Open titles to move within one of his Swiss rival’s record tally of 20.

Federer has sat on top of the all-time list since 2009 when he passed Pete Sampras’ benchmark of 14 after winning a five-set thriller over Andy Roddick at Wimbledon.

A Nadal triumph in Melbourne could set the stage for him to set a new landmark at Roland Garros, where he will start hot favorite to add to his 12 French Open titles.

But the Spaniard downplayed the potential historical implications after steering Spain into the ATP Cup quarter-finals.

“I honestly don’t think much (about Federer’s record),” Nadal said.

“My only goal is to keep playing good tennis, keep enjoying this sport and being happy. And if that happens and I stay healthy then the goal is to keep producing chances in the events that I’m going to play.”

Nadal’s immediate focus is leading Spain’s title charge at the inaugural ATP Cup.

Unbeaten Spain qualified for the knockout stages in Sydney after sweeping Japan in Group B in Perth with Nadal yet to drop a set from his three matches.

The 19-time Grand Slam winner, however, was pushed by in-form world number 72 Yoshihito Nishioka before prevailing 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 in two hours and seven minutes.

Nadal made 36 unforced errors and appeared weary at times in Spain’s first day session tie in Perth’s warm conditions.

“It was the first experience with the heat here in Australia, so we played under heavy conditions and it was tough,” he said. “I played against a player who has started the season on fire, so it was an important victory for me and the team.”