Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s Elite Company Turns Into a Quintet as British ATP Star Adds Two More Legendary Names

The list of the Big Three is incomplete? British ATP star, Dan Evans thinks so. The thirty-three-year-old has shared spaces with world-class tennis players. Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic don’t need any introduction. Their outstanding performances have captivated fans for years on end. However, as one dives deep into the history, one realizes that there’s more to the story than just the Big Three. In an exclusive podcast, Dan Evans edits the list of legends and names his Big Five.

Dan Evans played squash in his youth. However, tennis soon attracted his full attention. Evans last played against Rafael Nadal in the Indian Wells Masters in 2022. He played against Roger Federer in the Qatar Open in 2021. He played against Novak Djokovic in the Monte Carlo Masters in 2021. Being a competitor as well as a keen spectator, Evans’ judgment is notable. On naming the two other players, Evans also states the reasons behind their exclusion from the Big Three.

Dan Evans praises the resilience of the Big Three

Resilience is a major part of consistency. An athlete’s life is filled with unforeseen challenges such as injuries. However, the players who keep trying to get to the top despite all odds are the ones who emerge victorious. Dan Evans feels that there is a specific reason behind the Big Three not being the Big Five. The reason lies in the resilience of the Big Three. Evans is sure that if Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic had not kept pushing so hard, two other players would have received more fame.

The moment Dan Evans was asked about his experience with the Big Three, he replied with his Big Five. He said, “I’ve seen a few generations now. And it’s you know, it makes you think, yeah, like you said, it’s four guys. And Stan, I think, he’s still going and it’s you know, it’s just for those guys to have three each with those other three there.”

“It’s pretty impressive. You know, they’ve shared them out and Stan’s nicked three and Andy’s nicked three. You know, there’s five guys there.” Evans feels that Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka are undoubtedly among the greatest. 

It is true that some players would have shined brighter if others shined a little less. Dan Evans’s addition to the Big Three actually speaks more about Rafael Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic. Evans said, “I think, yeah, I mean, imagine you know, if one was injured then how many more Stan would have or Andy would have.” While Murray and Wawrinka have the potential, Evans feels that they still have a long road ahead.

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Both these stars have one trait in common – determination. They’re going strong and adding more feathers to their caps will be commendable in the twilight of their careers. Regardless, Murray & Wawrinka also have been quite humble in the era of the Big Three as they survived and thrived for so long. Apparently, Evans highlighted this same quality for the three famed legends of the sport too.

Dan Evans reveals the general human nature of the Big Three

Life is always larger than a profession. No matter how good an athlete is, being humble is important. Having spent a lot of time with Rafael Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic, Dan Evans has felt their human nature. Evans said, “How good a guy is all of them are, you know, polite, always say hello, and I think that’s more, as people I think that’s more impressive.” The attitude that the big three possess makes them all the more worthy of this title. 

Currently, in Stockholm, Dan Evans is preparing to make a stronger comeback after his previous loss. The Big Three might someday become the Big Five, but the values won’t change. Evans, through his statements, has shown the broader side of a player’s life. It is not just about tennis, and it is not just about playing well. Evans believes that greatness lies in having proper resilience and being a good human.

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