For the past two decades, tennis has been dominated by three legendary figures: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic—commonly referred to as the “Big Three.” Between them, they have amassed an unprecedented 66 Grand Slam titles, elevating the sport to new heights of competitiveness, artistry, and athleticism. However, as time passes, even the greatest must eventually step aside.
Now, in the twilight of their careers, Djokovic stands as the last remaining member of the trio, still competing at the top level. With Federer already retired and Nadal’s retirement on the horizon, Djokovic finds himself navigating the emotional and physical toll of being the last of this remarkable generation.
Federer’s Farewell: Djokovic’s Tribute to a Rival and Friend
When Roger Federer announced his retirement in September 2022, the tennis world collectively paused to reflect on the Swiss maestro’s influence on the game. Federer’s elegance, fluid style of play, and sportsmanship set a standard that elevated tennis to a global spectacle. Djokovic, who shared one of the fiercest and most prolific rivalries with Federer, was among the first to offer tribute.
In a heartfelt social media post, Djokovic called Federer a “rival and friend,” acknowledging the immense role the Swiss champion played in shaping his career.
“Roger, it’s hard to see this day and put into words all that we’ve shared in this sport,” Djokovic wrote. “Over a decade of incredible moments and battles to reflect on.”
Indeed, Djokovic and Federer clashed 50 times on the ATP Tour, with Djokovic winning 27 of those matches. Their encounters were often thrilling, particularly at Wimbledon, where their epic five-set final in 2019 became an instant classic. Though their on-court battles were intense, Djokovic always spoke with deep respect for Federer’s achievements and longevity.
For Djokovic, Federer’s retirement was a significant moment. It marked the beginning of the end of an era where the greats who had pushed him to his limits would no longer share the court with him. He admitted to feeling a “bittersweet” emotion during Federer’s final tournament at the Laver Cup in 2022, where both men were teammates, saying, “It was an honor and privilege to be part of that team and witness the farewell of a player who has done so much for our sport.”
Nadal’s Final Chapter: Djokovic Reflects on Their Historic Rivalry
If Federer’s retirement signaled the end of a chapter, Rafael Nadal’s forthcoming departure represents the conclusion of an entire book. Nadal, Djokovic’s greatest rival and the only player who has matched him in terms of sustained excellence, is widely expected to retire after the 2024 season due to persistent injuries.
Their rivalry is perhaps the most storied in tennis history, with Djokovic and Nadal facing each other 59 times—more than any other pair of players in the Open Era. With Djokovic holding a narrow 30-29 edge in their head-to-head record, their matches have been defined by grueling intensity, contrasting styles, and extraordinary displays of endurance. Whether on the hard courts of Australia, the red clay of Roland Garros, or the grass of Wimbledon, every Djokovic-Nadal clash has been an epic battle of wills.
Djokovic has been vocal about his admiration for Nadal’s determination and resilience. “Rafa has always been an inspiration to me,” Djokovic said after Nadal won his 14th French Open title in 2022. “His ability to fight back from injury, his mentality on the court—it’s something every player can learn from.”
As Nadal contemplates the end of his career, Djokovic is fully aware of what it means to lose such a competitor.
“I’ll miss those battles on court with Rafa,” Djokovic admitted in a recent interview. “He’s pushed me to become a better player, to find ways to improve, to dig deeper than I ever thought I could. Without him, my career wouldn’t be what it is today.”
Carrying the Torch Alone
With Federer already retired and Nadal’s departure imminent, Djokovic now bears the weight of being the last of the Big Three still contending for major titles. At 37, Djokovic remains in peak physical condition, winning three of the four Grand Slam titles in 2023 and showing little sign of slowing down. His relentless pursuit of excellence has led to an astonishing 24 Grand Slam titles, the most in men’s tennis history, surpassing both Federer and Nadal.
However, the emotional toll of outlasting his greatest rivals is evident. Djokovic has expressed how strange it feels to be the only one left. “It’s a bit lonely, to be honest,” he said after winning his 24th Grand Slam at the US Open in 2023. “These guys were not just my rivals; they were my friends, and they were part of my journey. Without them, the motivation was always a little different.”
For Djokovic, the challenge now is not only to continue winning but also to navigate the sport without the two figures who defined his career. While new challengers like Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev have emerged, competing against Federer and Nadal was unique—a rivalry rooted in mutual respect, shared history, and an understanding of what it took to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
A Legacy Secured
As the last man standing from the Big Three, Djokovic’s place in tennis history is secure. He has shattered records, redefined expectations of longevity, and brought his own unique brand of mental and physical tenacity to the game. Yet, even with more victories likely ahead, Djokovic knows that the sport has forever changed.
“It’s an honor to be part of this era, to have shared the court with Roger and Rafa,” Djokovic reflected. “The Big Three will always be remembered as a special time in tennis history, and I’m proud to have played my part.”
Main Photo Credit: Amber Searls – USA TODAY Sports
