Author: Ryder Senreich

The 'Big Three' are the three greatest male tennis players, each with or over 20 grand slams. These grand slams are the most prestigious tournaments in tennis, often referred to as the "majors" of the sport. Their names are Novak Djokovic (24 slams), Rafael Nadal (22 slams), and Roger Federer (20 slams). Here is some information about their beginnings, when they became World Number 1s, and their unique and fascinating playing styles, which are a testament to their individuality and the diverse approaches to the game, showcasing how these three players are truly the greatest of all time (GOATs) in tennis.

Novak Djokovic: 

Novak was born on May 22, 1987, in Belgrade, Serbia. He started playing tennis when he received a racket for his birthday, around the age of four. After many lessons, he quickly ascended the junior rankings. Although growing up during times of war, Novak became the top 14-year-old in Europe, a distinction that would later be repeated when he became the top 16-year-old in Europe. He turned professional in 2003 and reached the top 100 at the age of 18. He won his first ATP event in July 2006. He continued to play, climbing up the ranks at an incredible speed. He made it to multiple Grand Slam semi-finals and a single Grand Slam final, where he lost to Roger Federer, another member of the Big 3, during the 2007 US Open. He followed up with a final in the US Open, but lost to Roger Federer, which we will cover below. Later that year, he acquired the bronze medal in the 2008 Olympics, a prestigious event in the tennis world. After a year of competing among the top players, he led Serbia to a Davis Cup win in December 2010, a team competition that holds great significance. 2011 was a big year for Djokovic. He adopted a healthier lifestyle, dominating the tennis scene by winning three Grand Slam titles (Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open) and ending the year as the World No. 1. Today, Djokovic's playing style is characterized by his exceptional flexibility and agility, allowing him to return even the most powerful shots with ease.

Rafael Nadal:

Rafael Nadal, or Rafa, was born on June 3, 1986, in Manacor, Mallorca, Spain. Nadal began his tennis journey at around four years old, the same time as Novak. His uncle, Toni Nadal, began coaching young Rafa, a mentorship that would last most of his tennis career. Nadal was unique as he was left-handed. On top of this, he had a two-handed backhand AND forehand. When Nadal was 12, Toni convinced Nadal to switch to a one-handed forehand, which is now iconic with Nadal. He had a loop and lasso-type swing, accompanied by a loud grunt, which put an extreme spin on the ball. Instead of having a junior career at 14 in 2001, Nadal had already turned pro with a win at the Sevilla Challenger tournament, making a debut on the ATP tour list. At age 15, he defeated the top 100 player, Ramon Delgado. In 2004, Nadal played a significant role in overtaking the United States in the Davis Cup, beating Andy Roddick, who had previously been ranked second in the world. In 2005, Nadal won 11 titles, becoming the youngest player to win that many titles. He even caused a massive upset at that year's Roland Garros by defeating then-number 1 Roger Federer, sparking a rivalry that would last many years. Nadal eventually won the Grand Slam, marking his first-ever French Open title. He won the following year's French Open, defeating Roger Federer again, but lost that year's Wimbledon final to Roger Federer, further deepening their rivalry. Clay is Nadal's preferred surface, and his statistics certainly agree. In 2007, he had an astonishing 81-win streak on clay before falling victim to Roger Federer. However, he was again victorious at that year's French Open, tying with Björn Borg for the most consecutive French Open victories. In 2008, Nadal won the French Open for a second time. Nadal and Federer met in their third consecutive Wimbledon final, which lasted five sets and a remarkable 4 hours and 48 minutes, the longest Wimbledon final in history, becoming the first man to win a French Open and Wimbledon since Björn Borg in 1980, and prevailed to win the 2008 Beijing Olympics, surpassing Roger Federer to become number 1 ranked player in the ATP list. Nadal's lasso-like forehand, heavy with topspin, and perseverance on the court allow for remarkable comebacks and plays. 

Roger Federer:

Roger, a player with undeniable talent, was born in Basel, Switzerland, on August 8, 1981. His tennis journey began at eight, a bit later than his peers Djokovic and Nadal. However, his talent was evident, and he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Switzerland's junior champion at the age of 14. His early success was a testament to his natural talent and dedication to the sport. In 1998, Federer won the Wimbledon junior singles championship and secured a victory in the Orange Bowl. The following year, he made his debut on the ATP Tour, marking the beginning of a career that would make him one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Roger ended up finishing that year's season as the number 64 on the ATP list. During the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, Roger finished in third place, earning the bronze medal. The following year, Federer triumphed over Pete Sampras, one of the most famous players, to advance to the quarter-finals in that year's Wimbledon. He finished in the top 6 as of the end of 2002. In 2003, Federer captured his first Wimbledon victory, the first Grand Slam title he had ever won. 2004 was an outstanding year for Federer. He secured a win in the Australian Open and achieved yet another Wimbledon victory, defending his consecutive Wimbledon win streak. Federer followed these outstanding wins with a victory in the US Open, winning three of the four Grand Slams that year. He ended the year with a tournament win ratio of 11:17, meaning he prevailed and got first place in 11 of the 17 tournaments he competed in. His outstanding performance made Federer the world's number 1 ATP player. Off the court, Federer is recognized for his philanthropic efforts, primarily through his foundation, which focuses on educating children in Africa. His humility and sportsmanship have also endeared him to fans worldwide. His powerful and beautiful one-handed backhand and precise forehand create a deadly force for any opponent.

These three tennis players each dominated the tennis scene for over two decades, with their unique playing styles, yet shared similarities in perseverance and a love for the sport. Although Federer has retired with 20 Grand Slam titles, and Nadal, with his 22 Grand Slam titles, is facing constant injuries and pulling out of multiple tournaments, Djokovic is still dominating the tennis Scene, with 24 Grand Slams as of May 2024, the most Grand Slams of any tennis player. 

This article provided valuable insights and information about the Big 3, arguably the most outstanding male tennis players of all time. Although their reign is coming to an end, their records will remain unbeaten for a long time.

Links Used:

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Novak-Djokovic

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rafael-Nadal

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Roger-Federer

https://www.espn.com/tennis/player/_/id/425/roger-federer

https://www.forbes.com/profile/roger-federer/?sh=705370af14ba

https://olympics.com/en/athletes/rafael-nadal

https://www.tennismajors.com/atp/novak-djokovic-who-he-really-is-79752.html

https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Rafael_Nadal/54336/april-29-2002-15yearold-rafael-nadal-makes-first-big-professional-step/