Rafael Nadal has called Novak Djokovic the greatest men’s tennis player of all time.
The competition between Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer has dominated tennis for many years, with the three players dominating Grand Slam victories.
As Nadal prepares to retire next month, he gave an interview to AS. He lauded Djokovic, stating, “He’s a player who has been able to sustain a high level and grow year after year. The numbers suggest he’s the best, thus his tennis has been the best.”
Nadal pointed out that Djokovic has suffered fewer injuries, allowing him to remain in peak form for longer than anyone else. “That’s why he’s the best, and he has earned it,” Nadal said.
As of 2024, Djokovic has won the most Grand Slam titles of any man. He overtook Nadal’s 22 championships and Federer’s 20 by winning the 2023 French Open, an event Nadal has traditionally thrived at.
While many fans say that Nadal is the Greatest of All Time (GOAT), particularly on clay courts, others believe Federer established the standard for the sport. Nadal acknowledged Federer as his biggest competitor, stating, “I’ve played Djokovic more than anyone else, but Federer was my biggest rival.”
He stated that when he began his career, Federer was already a top player. “In the prime years of my career, it was Roger and Novak,” Nadal once said. “But in those early years, which are so impactful, it was always Roger.”
Nadal will retire after the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga, which begins on November 19 with Spain facing the Netherlands in the quarterfinals.
