Reason why Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are inimitable

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Novak Djokovic will feel a little more alone next year. In 2025, the Serbian legend will be the only exponent of the old 'Fab Four' still active on the professional tour, after Andy Murray retired this summer at the Paris Olympics and Rafael Nadal will say goodbye to tennis at the Davis Cup Finals next month.

If you consider that Nole has not won an ATP title this year, the indications that a glorious era has come to its conclusion are unequivocal. The 37-year-old from Belgrade will still be one of the favorites in the Major tournaments next year, but he is lagging behind Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

The Italian and the Spaniard took over the men’s tour this year and their superiority was evident especially in the four Grand Slam tournaments. The Italian ace won the Australian Open and US Open, while the 23-year-old from Murcia triumphed at the French Open and the Wimbledon Championships becoming the youngest ever to achieve such a feat in the same year.

Novak Djokovic & Rafael Nadal, Six Kings Slam 2024© Stream screenshot  

The Paris Olympics hosted the last official clash between Djokovic and Nadal, ending one of the most iconic rivalries in modern sport history. To tell the truth, these two legends also faced each other in the 'Six Kings Slam' just over a week ago but it was only an exhibition. The Big 3 era was truly amazing in all ways. Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have taken tennis to a new dimension with their incredible rivalry and left an immense legacy.

Time for judgments

The undisputed era of the Big Three over the last two decades is coming to an end. Rafael Nadal’s retirement at the end of the season will leave Novak Djokovic orphaned by 2005 from two great rivals (in addition to the Spanish, the Swiss Roger Federer already former tennis player since the end of September 2022). It is already certain that the three will not compete in an official match in the ATP circuit: the last act was staged at the 'Six Kings Slam' between Nole and Rafa, but for statistical purposes it will not count for having played during a tournament. So, it is possible to make an analysis of the direct clashes between the three players and who was the best in this respect.

Casper Ruud and Novak Djokovic© Casper Ruud/Instagram - Fair Use  

Overall, Djokovic was the best with 58 previous wins (31 against Rafa and 27 against King Roger). Nadal follows with 29 wins against Nole and 24 against Federer. The Swiss is further behind with 23 wins in matches with the Serbian and 16 with Rafa. The summary of the challenges played in a graphic created by ‘Saque Ace’.

A very long hegemony

In the latest edition of the ‘Nothing Major’ podcast, ATP ace Casper Ruud paid tribute to the Big 3: “Rafa’s always like — doesn’t swear on court. He never threw a racket. He never let the emotions get to him for like 20 years which for me is just like… how is it possible? I’ve understood how crazy it is from Rafa, Roger, and Novak, that they performed every single year for like 17, 18 years. They’ve been so good.

How have they been able to keep the motivation up? How they’ve been able to be strict with themselves? How have they been able to win like 70 matches every year? Year in, year out. I just don’t understand how it’s possible. It’s one thing to do it three, four, or five years. But for them it’s been almost 20 years of pure domination.”

Exactly even and round numbers for all the previous three sacred tennis monsters. The most challenging rivalry was between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal (60). Following the clashes between Nole and Roger Federer (50) and those with protagonists Rafa and Roger (40).

The Big 3© @Olly_Tennis_ X account  

Nadal could not but show all his talent on the ground in direct clashes with opponents (20-9 on red against Nole and even 14-2 to the detriment of the native of Basel). Djokovic was more effective on the concrete (20-7 on Rafa and 20-18, better balanced as against Federer). Balance also on the grass, on which there is a tendency to play less: 2-2 between Djokovic and Nadal; 3-1 Federer against Nadal; 3-1 Nole against King Roger, with the unforgettable final of Wimbledon in 2019.

If you only consider the numbers, Djokovic deserves to be recognized as the best tennis player of all time. The Serbian legend has broken almost all records in men’s tennis, proving to be a living legend of the sport. Nole completed the puzzle this summer when he won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics (defeating Carlitos Alcaraz in the final).

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/pEVCY58

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