In a recent interview, Rafael Nadal delved into the strategies he employed when facing off against his long-time rivals, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. The legendary trio, who dominated the tennis scene for a remarkable two decades, managed to clinch an incredible 66 out of the 84 Grand Slam titles available from Wimbledon 2003 to the 2024 edition of the tournament. Nadal bid adieu to his illustrious career in November 2024, leaving behind a legacy that included an impressive tally of 92 career singles titles, 22 Grand Slam victories, and two Olympic gold medals.
The narrative of Nadal’s 23-year professional journey was undeniably intertwined with his fierce rivalry with Federer and Djokovic, leading to the trio being affectionately referred to as ‘the big three.’ From Wimbledon 2003 through 2024, Djokovic emerged as the most successful player in terms of Grand Slam victories, securing 24 titles, closely followed by Nadal with 22, and Federer with 20 major championship wins.
Whenever the three titans clashed on the court, the showdowns never failed to captivate fans around the globe with their sheer intensity and brilliance. In a candid chat on the show ‘Served with Andy Roddick,’ Nadal shed light on the different strategies he adopted when facing Federer and Djokovic. He mentioned that his approach against Federer often led to more “attractive” matches, as compared to his tactics against Djokovic.
Nadal elaborated, “Against Roger, the strategy was more clear. I was targeting his backhand consistently, looking to exploit that weakness. Even if the opportunity arose to play a shot down the line, I would opt for his backhand. It was all about either going for a winner or maneuvering him to open up more space on the court elsewhere.”
He further reflected on Federer’s evolution towards the later stages of his career, stating, “Towards the end, Roger took more risks and displayed an unmatched level of play, especially in 2017. It felt like you were at his mercy on the court.”
Nadal’s insights into his tactical approach against his formidable rivals provide a glimpse into the strategic nuances that defined the thrilling matches between ‘the big three.’ While each player brought their unique strengths and styles to the game, it was the intense competition and mutual respect among them that elevated the sport to new heights.
