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 considered 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 1's, and their unique playing styles, showcasing how these three players are truly the GOATs of tennis.

Novack Djokovic: 

Novak was born on May 22, 1987, in Belgrade, Serbia. He started playing tennis when he received a racket for his birthday when he was around four. After many lessons, he quickly ascended the junior rankings. Although growing up in times of war, Novak became the top 14-year-old in Europe, and this would apply later when he became the top 16-year-old in Europe. He turned professional in 2003 and ended up in the top 100 at 18 years old. 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 (We will cover him below). Later that year, he acquired the bronze medal in the 2008 Olympics, a prestigious event in the tennis world. After a year of residing among the top players, he led Serbia in the Davis Cup to a win in December of 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 with a loud grunt, putting 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 massive role in overtaking the USA in the Davis Cup, beating Andy Roddick, who had previously ranked two worldwide. In 2005, Nadal won 11 titles, becoming the most titles won by a teenager. He even caused a massive upset at that year's Rolland Garros by defeating then-number 1 Roger Federer, sparking a rivalry that would last many years. Nadal eventually won the Grand Slam despite it being his first-ever French Open. He won the following year's French Open, defeating Roger Federer again, but lost that year's Wimbledon in the final to Roger Federer, furthering their rivalry. Clay is Nadal's preferred surface, and his statistics certainly agree. In 2007, he, on clay, had an astonishing 81-win streak before falling victim to Roger Federer. However, he was again victorious at that year's French Open, tying with Björn Borg for most consecutive French Open victories. In 2008, Nadal won the French Open once more. 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 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 debuted on the ATP tour, beginning a career that would make him one of the greatest tennis players ever. 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 3rd, achieving 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 a Wimbledon victory, the first Grand Slam 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 3 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 top ATP player number 1 in the world. Off the court, Federer is known for his philanthropic efforts, mainly through his foundation, which focuses primarily 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 but similarities in perseverance and 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, 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 ending, 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/