Tennis is nearing the end of an era as the sport prepares to bid farewell to three iconic players: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic—the renowned “Big 3.” With Federer having retired in 2022 and Nadal set to follow suit after the Davis Cup, Djokovic remains the only one still active. As the next generation rises, the legacy of their rivalries continues to resonate deeply with fans. Recently, Nadal added an interesting twist to this ongoing narrative by openly expressing a preference for Federer over Djokovic as his biggest rival.
Nadal, who recently shared a video announcing his plans to retire after the Davis Cup final, sparked emotions among fans and the tennis community, with many expressing sadness. Amid the reactions, Nadal reignited the conversation about his most significant rivalry during an interview with the Spanish media outlet, AS.
In the interview, Nadal discussed the biggest rival of his career, clearly stating, “Djokovic is the player I have faced the most, but for me, my biggest rival has been Federer.” While Nadal has played Djokovic 60 times, he faced Federer 40 times throughout his career. Nadal holds a slight deficit against Djokovic, trailing 31-29 in their head-to-head record, but he leads Federer 24-16. He further explained why he regards Federer as his greatest rival, noting that Federer was already established when Nadal entered the circuit.
Nadal pointed out that Federer was a dominant figure when he joined the professional circuit in 2001, three years after Federer had started his career. He emphasized that the early years of a player’s career, when Federer was his primary opponent, were particularly formative. Nadal also mentioned the stark contrast between his and Federer’s playing styles, which contributed to the special nature of their rivalry. This isn’t the first time Nadal has praised Federer; in his autobiography, Rafa: My Story, he admitted that Federer was more naturally gifted than him, as his uncle Toni Nadal frequently reminded him.
While Nadal made it clear that he prefers Federer as his biggest rival, he did not dismiss Djokovic’s impact. Speaking about Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, Nadal said, “With Novak, it was an incredible challenge. He’s a player who has maintained a very high level and improved every year. The numbers show he’s the best, which means his tennis has also been the best.” Despite favoring Federer as his greatest rival, Nadal acknowledged his competitive relationship with Djokovic as well.
Nadal’s relationships with Federer and Djokovic were also a topic of discussion recently. As his retirement looms, fans are eager to understand more about his career and what his future holds. In an interview with DAZN Sport, Nadal reflected on his bonds with Federer and Djokovic. He stated, “Of course, with Roger, it has been special, but with Novak too, I have a good relationship. It’s the way that you approach the sport. I think that’s possible because at the end, we understand that it’s only a game. In life, we have many more important things outside of tennis.”
Nadal’s 23-year career has given him valuable insights into the importance of maintaining good relationships, both on and off the court. He believes that having a strong bond with colleagues and people in general leads to greater happiness, emphasizing that tennis is ultimately just a game, while relationships extend far beyond it. As Nadal’s retirement nears, fans are left wondering whether Federer and Djokovic will be present to witness his final match. Only time will tell.
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