In the world of men’s tennis, the rivalry between Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic has captivated fans for years. These three players, known as the Big Three, have dominated the sport and set numerous records along the way.
Roger Federer, the Swiss tennis maestro, was the first to establish his dominance in the early 2000s. However, his reign was soon challenged by Rafael Nadal, who emerged as a worthy opponent. Just when it seemed like a Federer-Nadal rivalry was set to define the era, Novak Djokovic burst onto the scene and surpassed both legends.
As of 2024, Djokovic leads the pack with the most Grand Slam titles, ATP Finals titles, and weeks as ATP No. 1. His former coach, Goran Ivanisevic, has praised Djokovic’s incredible talent but also admitted that coaching the Serbian was not easy. The pair split after four years due to on-court complications, but they still share a strong bond.
Ivanisevic highlighted the challenges they faced, including the pandemic, Djokovic’s disqualification at the US Open, and controversies at the Melbourne airport. Despite the difficulties, Ivanisevic acknowledged Djokovic as a genius and the best player in the history of tennis.
The legacy of the Big Three continues to inspire and awe fans around the world, with Djokovic leading the charge as the most successful player of his generation. Their rivalry has pushed each other to new heights and created some of the most memorable moments in tennis history.