Novak Djokovic, the last standing titan of tennis’ legendary “Big Three,” has finally shared his verdict on the eternal debate: Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal? For over a decade, Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal redefined the sport, amassing 66 Grand Slam titles collectively while captivating fans with their contrasting styles and mutual respect. Federer’s artistry (20 majors), Nadal’s relentless grit (22 Slams), and Djokovic’s machine-like dominance (24 titles) created an era of unmatched drama.
Now, as the Serbian chases a historic 25th major, he’s broken his silence on which rival he believes stands above—a take that reshapes the GOAT conversation.
Novak Djokovic’s surprising verdict on the GOAT debate
In a candid interview with DAZN, Djokovic blind-ranked five tennis icons—and his choices stunned fans. Placing his coach Andy Murray at fifth and eight-time Slam winner Andre Agassi fourth, Djokovic reserved the podium for legends. Pete Sampras, his childhood idol, landed third. But the real bombshell came next: Roger Federer at No. 2 and Rafael Nadal at No. 1.
Though Novak Djokovic didn’t elaborate on his criteria, the ranking speaks volumes. His storied clashes with both rivals—110 combined matches—highlighted their contrasting impacts. Nadal’s ferocity on clay and never-say-die mentality pushed Djokovic to extremes, while Federer’s elegance and tactical genius demanded flawless precision. “They forced me to become a better player,” Djokovic has often admitted. Yet, when pressed to choose, the Spaniard’s relentless physicality and mental fortitude seemingly tipped the scales.
Legacy beyond numbers: Why Nadal?
Djokovic’s nod to Nadal isn’t just about Slam counts. It’s a tribute to their grueling battles—epics like the 2012 Australian Open final (5h53m) and the 2021 French Open semifinal, where Nadal triumphed despite Djokovic’s peak form. The Serbian’s respect for Nadal’s adaptability (14 French Open titles) and ability to thrive under pressure mirrors his own career ethos.
Roger Federer, though second here, remains a benchmark for grace under fire. Novak Djokovic’s 2019 Wimbledon final comeback—saving match points against the Swiss maestro—underscored their psychological warfare. Yet, in Djokovic’s eyes, Rafael Nadal’s dogged consistency across surfaces and eras edges Federer’s finesse.
The Big Three’s enduring shadow
Djokovic’s ranking isn’t just a personal preference—it’s a snapshot of tennis history. While Federer revolutionized the sport with fluidity and Nadal redefined resilience, Djokovic’s own legacy as the statistical GOAT (most weeks at No. 1, most Slams) adds layers to the debate. Yet, his humility shines through: “There is perhaps no better player to speak of playing against Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer than me.”
As Novak Djokovic eyes his 25th major, his verdict reminds us: greatness isn’t just about titles, but about who pushes you to dig deeper. For him, that answer—for now—is Nadal.