Federer, Djokovic or Nadal? Who tennis stars who faced all three think is the No1 ever

Tennis fans have been spoilt with a golden age of the sport, witnessing an era that has consistently smashed records.

The retirement of Andy Murray has prompted tributes to his illustrious career, which saw him occasionally outshine the ‘Big Three’: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. For a time, Murray’s brilliance expanded the elite group to a ‘Big Four’, although injuries ultimately hampered the two-time Wimbledon winner.In 2023, Murray acknowledged each rival’s dominance: Nadal’s reign on clay, Djokovic’s hard-court mastery, and both Federer and Djokovic’s grass-court prowess. “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.” The question remains: who do other players, who have faced the Big Three, think is the GOAT?

Tomas Berdych

Former world No. 4 Tomas Berdych, often cited as one of the finest players never to clinch a major title, holds a view that the title of the greatest transcends mere numbers, despite Djokovic’s impressive Grand Slam count.

“Those who want to compare the best by numbers will find arguments for different options,” Berdych said. “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

Stan 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 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.”

Nick Kyrgios

Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios has weighed in on the tennis GOAT debate, acknowledging Djokovic’s record 24 Grand Slam titles but highlighting Federer’s unique style. “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 explained.

“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

British tennis legend Tim Henman shared his thoughts after Djokovic’s historic win at the 2023 French Open, surpassing Nadal in Grand Slam victories. “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.”