The GOAT debate between Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal is one of the most talked about topics in tennis – but what do players who have faced the Big Three think?
Tennis fans have been treated to an unforgettable period in the sport, witnessing an era that has rewritten the history books.
Andy Murray’s retirement has led fans and pundits to give him plaudits for his career, with his hard-fought success coming in the same era as the ‘Big Three’: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Murray’s sheer talent briefly created the ‘Big Four’, though injuries took their toll on the two-time Wimbledon champion.
Although his illustrious peers are regularly thrown into the greatest-of-all-time (GOAT) conversations, Murray himself holds a unique perspective on the perennial debate. Speaking in 2023, the three-time Grand Slam winner tipped his hat to each of his rivals: Nadal’s clay supremacy, Djokovic’s hard-court heroics, and dually praising Federer and the Serbian for their success on grass.
“What all those guys have achieved is amazing,” Murray said. “If you just go on Grand Slam titles, then you’d have to give that to Novak but for me, it’s just slightly more nuanced than that.” Now, let’s see who other players who faced off against the Big Three believe is the ultimate GOAT.
Tomas Berdych
Former world No.4 Berdych is regarded as one of the best players not to win a major. Despite Djokovic’s towering Grand Slam tally, the Czech ace subscribes to a school of thought that greatest-ever status transcends statistics.
“Those who want to compare the best by numbers will find arguments for different options,” Berdych told Czech Republic outlet iDnes. “The number of Grand Slams may be the most objective measure, but there are athletes who have left a great mark.”
“I think Roger will leave a bigger mark than Djokovic. I think he is a bigger icon than Nadal. Perhaps, 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 – alongside Berdych and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – to defeat the Big Four at major tournaments. The three-time Grand Slam winner is a compatriot of Federer’s but recognised the formidable challenge that Nadal presented on clay.
“They are different personalities and players,” Wawrinka said. “If we’re just talking about the game, for me Roger Federer it’s really talent, ease and touch. Rafael Nadal, it’s strength, power and Novak Djokovic is a bit of perfection.
“It’s true that when you play Rafa in the Roland Garros final, for me it’s one of the most difficult challenges about what I’ve been able to experience in my career.”
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal had a rivalry before Novak Djokovic’s prime (
Simon Bruty/Anychance/Getty Images)
Nick Kyrgios
Former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios explained that while Djokovic had won a record 24 Grand Slam titles, Federer’s flair was unparalleled. “I mean the greatest of all time is definitely Novak, but that doesn’t mean if I said who would I want to go out there and want to watch, Roger Federer is the nicest to watch,” 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, someone to chase? But statistics, it’s hard to have a conversation any more.”
Tim Henman
The British tennis icon had a fair share of matches with Federer and also had fleeting encounters with both Nadal and Djokovic early in their legendary careers. Following Djokovic’s monumental victory at the 2023 French Open, which saw him overtake Nadal for Grand Slam wins, Henman weighed in on the GOAT debate.
“He (Djokovic) has ended the debate over who is the greatest male player of all time,” Henman argued. “He just loves and embraces the challenge. This is not his best surface, but he finds a way to win. He wants more and more.”
Novak Djokovic has overtaken Rafael Nadal’s number of Grand Slam titles (
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Juan Carlos Ferrero
Echoing Henman’s views, former world No. 1 Ferrero gave his thoughts on the best of the Big Three. In an interview with Marca, Ferrero said: “With Djokovic’s numbers there is no debate. You may like Rafa more, you may like Federer’s style more, but in terms of numbers the best in history is Novak.”
Rafael Nadal
Even Nadal, who himself sits in the best-ever discussions, has seemingly bowed to the notion that Djokovic leads the pack. Earlier this year, the revered 22-time Grand Slam champion acknowledged his rival’s place in tennis history.
“I believe that numbers are numbers and statistics are statistics. In that sense, I think he [Djokovic] has better numbers than mine and that is indisputable,” Nadal admitted. “[There] are tastes, inspiration, sensations that one or the other may transmit to you, that you may like one or the other more. I think that with respect to titles, Djokovic is the best in history and there is nothing to discuss about that.”
