Federer vs. Nadal vs. Djokovic – Stars who played against them give GOAT verdicts | Tennis | Sports

Tennis fans were fortunate to witness an iconic era of the sport. When Andy Murray recently retired, he was praised for his exceptional performances, especially considering he was up against three legendary players: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Murray was so brilliant that the “Big Three” temporarily became the “Big Four.” But his rivals are the ones who figure in the greatest of all time debate. Each of the three men has a claim to the throne: Djokovic has won the most Grand Slams; Federer led the new era; Nadal was undoubtedly the best on clay and injuries prevented him from winning more major titles.

Murray gave his thoughts on the debate, taking a balanced approach, praising Nadal for his performances on clay, Djokovic for his successes on hard courts, and splitting the best performances on grass between Djokovic and Federer. “What all these guys have achieved is incredible,” Murray said in 2023. “If you just go by Grand Slam titles, then you’d have to give that to Novak, but for me it’s just a bit more nuanced.” Here’s a look at the other players who have competed against the Big Three and been dubbed the GOAT.

Thomas Berdych

The Czech star is considered one of the best players who has never won a major, having reached only one Grand Slam final in his career. Berdych believes that the title of the best player of all time should not be based on statistics alone, even though Djokovic has won the most majors.

“If you want to compare the best based on numbers, you will find arguments for different options,” Berdych told Czech broadcaster iDnes. “The number of Grand Slams may be the most objective measure, but there are athletes who have left a big mark.”

“I think Roger will leave a bigger mark than Djokovic. I think he is a bigger icon than Nadal. Maybe because he started this great era. What he did for tennis cannot be surpassed by any result.”

Stan Wawrinka

Wawrinka is one of only three players, along with Berdych and Jen-Wilfried Tsonga, to have beaten the Big Four at major tournaments. The three-time Grand Slam winner is a compatriot of Federer but has said Nadal was arguably his toughest opponent.

“They are different personalities and players,” Wawrinka said. “If we just talk about the game, for me with Roger Federer it’s really talent, ease and feeling. With Rafael Nadal it’s strength and power and Novak Djokovic is something like perfection.”

“It’s true that playing against Rafa in the final of Roland Garros is one of the most difficult challenges I have faced in my career.”

Nick Kyrgios

Former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios explained that while Djokovic is technically the best, his personal favorite is Federer. “I mean, the greatest of all time is definitely Novak, but that doesn’t mean that if I were to say who I want to watch out there, it’s Roger Federer that I like to watch the most,” he said.

“He’s the most talented, makes the game look effortless, like the Michael Jordan of tennis. Without Roger, would there have been a Novak, a Nadal or someone to chase? But statistics make it difficult to talk about it anymore.”

Tim Henman

The former British number one has had several duels with Federer and faced both Nadal and Djokovic earlier in their careers. After Djokovic set a men’s Grand Slam record with his triumph at the 2023 French Open, Henman believed the Serb had ended the debate about the greatest of all time.

“He (Djokovic) has ended the debate about who is the best male player of all time,” Henman said. “He just loves and accepts the challenge. It’s not his best surface, but he finds a way to win. He always wants more.”

Juan Carlos Ferrero

The former world No. 1 echoed Henman’s argument when asked about the Big Three. “There is no debate about Djokovic’s numbers,” Ferrero told Marca. “Maybe you like Rafa more, maybe you like Federer’s style more, but in terms of numbers, Novak is the best in history.”

Rafael Nadal

Despite being part of the GOAT debate himself, Nadal has already admitted that there could be a clear winner. Earlier this year, the 22-time Grand Slam champion called Djokovic the best player tennis has ever seen.

“I believe that numbers are numbers and statistics are statistics. In that sense, I think he [Djokovic] has better numbers than me and that is undeniable,” said Nadal.

“[There] are tastes, inspirations, sensations that one or the other can transmit to you, that you may like one or the other better. I think that Djokovic is the best in history in terms of titles and there is no debate about that.”