‘I faced Federer, Nadal and Djokovic – it’s clear who I think the best of all-time is’

The GOAT debate between Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal is one of the most talked about topics in tennis – but what do players who have faced the Big Three think?

Tennis fans have been treated to an unforgettable period in the sport, witnessing an era that has rewritten the history books.

Andy Murray’s retirement has led fans and pundits to give him plaudits for his career, with his hard-fought success coming in the same era as the ‘Big Three’: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Murray’s sheer talent briefly created the ‘Big Four’, though injuries took their toll on the two-time Wimbledon champion.

Although his illustrious peers are regularly thrown into the greatest-of-all-time (GOAT) conversations, Murray himself holds a unique perspective on the perennial debate. Speaking in 2023, the three-time Grand Slam winner tipped his hat to each of his rivals: Nadal’s clay supremacy, Djokovic’s hard-court heroics, and dually praising Federer and the Serbian for their success on grass.

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.” Now, let’s see who other players who faced off against the Big Three believe is the ultimate GOAT.

Tomas Berdych

Former world No.4 Berdych is regarded as one of the best players not to win a major. Despite Djokovic’s towering Grand Slam tally, the Czech ace subscribes to a school of thought that greatest-ever status transcends statistics.

“Those who want to compare the best by numbers will find arguments for different options,” Berdych told Czech Republic outlet iDnes. “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

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’s 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.”