Tennis is on the brink of a major shift as the sport prepares to say goodbye to an era defined by three legendary names: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic—the “Big 3.” With Federer already retired in 2022 and Nadal set to hang up his racquet after the Davis Cup, only Djokovic remains actively playing. Yet, even as the torch is passed to a new generation, the legacy of their rivalries continues to echo in the hearts of fans. And, in a fascinating twist, Nadal recently stirred the conversation with his candid preference for Federer over Djokovic.

The Spanish tennis sensation earlier shared a video message and announced that he would bid adieu to the sport after the Davis Cup final this year. This led to a massive heartbreak for the tennis fans with fans, players, and experts expressing their sorrow alike. Amidst this, the 38-year-old seems to have ignited some discussion about his biggest rivalry, as he engaged in an interview with the Spanish media outlet AS.

Speaking in the interview, Nadal opened up on his biggest rival in his career. Making his preferences clear, he said, “Djokovic is the player I have faced the most, but for me, my biggest rival has been Federer.” While Nadal has played against Djokovic on 60 occasions, he only encountered Federer in 40 matches over his career. Besides, while he trails in the head-to-head tally against the Serb 31-29, he leads it graciously against Federer, 24-16. Continuing further, he explained why he considers the Swiss Maestro to be his biggest rival.

“Because, when I arrived on the circuit, it was Federer who was there and he was the first. In the years when I was at the top of my career in every sense, it was Roger and Novak. But in the first years, which are the ones that mark you in a special way, Roger was always there.” Remember, Nadal debuted on the Professional circuit in 2001, 3 years after Federer stepped onto the courts. He also highlighted why his rivalry with Federer was seen as something special. “It is because it was a very sharp contrast in styles and ways of seeing and approaching the sport,” he shared. Interestingly, this is not the first time when Nadal admitted Federer’s grace. 

The 22-time Grand Slam champion has described Federer as a more talented player than him in his autobiography, ‘Rafa: My Story’. “Toni has never ceased to remind me-and I know he is right-that Federer is more technically gifted than I am.” He has also regarded him as one of the greatest men in the history of sports. And ss Nadal made the latest statements, he clearly made a choice of the 43-year-old over his Serbian counterpart. However, he did not fail to acknowledge Nole either. 

Speaking about the 24-time Grand Slam champion, Rafa said, “With Novak, it was an incredible challenge. He’s a player who has managed to maintain a very high level and improve every year. The numbers show he’s the best, which means his tennis has also been the best.” And despite preferring Federer’s rivalry over that of Djokovic, Nadal has clearly highlighted his strong bond with both players. 

When Rafael Nadal opened up on his relationship with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic

Rafael Nadal’s retirement has sparked several questions among the tennis fans. The community is eager to understand what his career as the legend of the sport has been and what are his plans as he looks forward to the next chapter of his life. One such aspect was about his relationship with Federer and Djokovic about which the Spaniard opened up recently. 

In an interview with DAZN Sport, the ‘King of Clay’ opened up on his bond with Federer and Djokovic. “Of course, with Roger, it has been special, but with Novak too, I have a good relationship,” he stated. “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 journey on the court has definitely helped him understand a thing or two about maintaining good relationships. 

“At the end of the day, if you have a good relationship with the colleagues, with the people who are next to you or with the people in general, without a doubt, in my experience, you will be happier. So at the end, tennis is only a game, relationships go beyond that,” Nadal added. Surely, Nadal’s strong bond with his counterparts and the young generation is expected to draw in a huge emotional crowd as he retires. Will Federer and Djokovic be present as well? Only time will tell.