I beat Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic – here's who the greatest is
Yesterday at 11:16 AM
There are not many players who can say they have defeated all three of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in Grand Slam matches.
Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka, Tomas Berdych and Jo-Wilfred Tsonga are the only four tennis stars to have achieved that remarkable feat.
Nadal, Djokovic and Federer – the Big Three – are widely regarded as being among the greatest tennis players of all time and dominated the sport for two decades.
While Federer retired in 2022 and Djokovic is still active, Nadal entered retirement on Tuesday, which has once again brought up the GOAT debate.
Federer finished his career with 20 major titles, while Nadal hung up his racket with 22 and Djokovic currently sits on 24 ahead of the 2025 season.
But who is truly the greatest player of all time across the history of professional men’s tennis? Here’s what the experts had to say…
Stan Wawrinka
As previously mentioned, Wawrinka is one of only four players to have beaten the entire Big Three in matches played at major tournaments.
Given he is Swiss, one would assume Wawrinka to pick Federer as his GOAT, but he actually thinks Nadal is the toughest player to beat.
‘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.’
Tomas Berdych
Berdych believes that Federer has left the ‘biggest mark’ on tennis despite the fact that Djokovic has ended up with four more major titles.
Speaking to Czech outlet iDnes, the former world No.4 said: ‘Those who want to compare the best by numbers will find arguments for different options.
‘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.’
Andy Murray
Murray says that Djokovic is the GOAT when it comes to Grand Slam titles but has hinted that he would actually pick Federer or Nadal overall, insisting the debate is more ‘nuanced’ than the amount of trophies won.
‘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.’
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Tsonga is adamant that Djokovic is the greatest player of all time in professional men’s tennis.
‘The GOAT is Djokovic,’Tsonga told Le Republicain Lorrain. ‘And I think he can go for 25, 26, 27… Maybe 28 Grand Slam tournaments. You never know.’
