Novak Djokovic gives cheeky reply to question about Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as he hails Big Three rivalry
So who is better between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on a neutral surface? The question was put to Novak Djokovic and he came up with an interesting response.
The Big Three of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have dominated tennis over the last few decades, winning 60 Grand Slams between them, but the Serbian is gunning for his 21st major at the US Open that will see him move ahead of his two great rivals, who are both missing the hard-court event.
Comment – Novak Djokovic’s biggest opponent is revealed… and he won’t meet him on court
As for their ability to dominate on specific surfaces, Djokovic has been a force on hard courts while many believe Federer will go down as the greatest grass-court player and Nadal is considered the King of Clay as he has won an unprecedented 13 majors on the surface.
World No 1 Djokovic was asked who he thinks is better on a neutral surface and he replied: “What is neutral surface? Is it ice, is it water?
“I think actually one of the best I think images that I’ve ever seen from tennis is them playing on a half-grass, half-clay court. I thought that was fantastic. Whoever came up with the idea was genius. As a tennis fan, I enjoyed that very much.
“Whoever won that much, you have your answer (smiling).”
Of course Djokovic was referring to Federer and Nadal’s “battle of the surfaces” exhibition event that took place in Spain in 2007 and you can read for yourself who won that contest.
Tennis365 Recall: When Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal played ‘battle of the surfaces’ exhibition
Djokovic was pressed for an answer and finally came up with this.
“It’s difficult to say who is better. Three of us, we’re all so different. We have different styles. We have different trajectories or journeys to where we are at this moment. We all had tremendous success, some more particularly on one surface, some the other surface,” he said.
“We do complement each other. I think the rivalry between the big three, so to say, it’s phenomenal for our sport. So the more traction, the more conversation there is around the three of us, the G.O.A.T. discussion, et cetera, the better in general for our sport.
“Yeah, I hope people still keep on talking about it.”
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz forced to accept brutal reality as he slumps to shock Miami Open defeat
Carlos Alcaraz could have no complaints as he was forced to accept the brutal reality that he was beaten by a better player.
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev just happy to be back competing against the best
Alexander Zverev has said that he savours being competitive in big tournaments.
-
Tennis News
WTA star announces that she is expecting a baby girl
Alison Riske-Amritraj will be having a daughter.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner breaks new ground for an Italian player with $20 million milestone
Jannik Sinner will become the first Italian player to bank $20 million in ATP Tour prize money after the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”