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Novak Djokovic of Serbia, Rafael Nadal of Spain and Roger Federer of Switzerlan wait to go on stage during the ATP Heritage Celebration at The Waldorf=Astoria on in New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
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Novak Djokovic of Serbia, Rafael Nadal of Spain and Roger Federer of Switzerlan wait to go on stage during the ATP Heritage Celebration at The Waldorf=Astoria on in New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
There is often a debate about the ‘GOAT’ amongst the ‘Big Three’ in tennis. While Roger Federer has enthralled the tennis fans on the grass courts, Rafael Nadal is known as the ‘King of Clay’. Further, Novak Djokovic has stamped his authority on the hard courts. The three players have dominated the sport for around 20 years now.
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Many fellow players and tennis greats have expressed their opinions on this ‘GOAT’ debate. While some have picked Federer over the other two, some have sided with Nadal and Djokovic. Further, it might seem that the Spaniard may have put an end to this debate by winning his 21st Grand Slam title. However, his uncle and former coach Toni Nadal had a different opinion.
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Tennis – Australian Open – Men’s Singles Final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 31, 2022. Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning the men’s singles final with trophy REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
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Toni Nadal addresses the ‘GOAT’ debate amongst Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic
Nadal’s former coach was asked about who could be the best tennis player in history. He said, “It is very difficult today to say who is the best, if the one who manages to play at the highest level, the who has the world record at stake, or who wins the most titles.”
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Further, he added, “If my nephew hadn’t been injured so much he would have been the best but I think there is very little difference with Federer or Djokovic.” Although, he admitted, “Federer is probably the one who has done higher things.” [h/t gustavosylvestre.com]
(Quotes have been translated using Google Translate)
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2019 US Open Tennis Tournament- Day Nine. Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts during his match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria in the Men’s Singles Quarter-Finals match on Arthur Ashe Stadium during the 2019 US Open Tennis Tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 3rd, 2019 in Flushing, Queens, New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
Federer initiated the dominance of the ‘Big Three’ in tennis. Moreover, it was a healthy rivalry among the three, as fans witnessed some unforgettable matches. Which is your favorite match involving the ‘Big Three’? Let us know in the comments below.
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