The Big 3 have been the benchmark of the men’s tour for 15 years and have monopolized the highlights of the season like no other in tennis history. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal currently share an all-time record of 20 Grand Slams, while Novak Djokovic is chasing them after their recent Roland Garros win with 19 titles.
As the youngest of the three, many believe the Serbian star will end his career with most of the majors. The Big 3 were also part of the ATP Players Council, with the Swiss and Spaniards continuing to hold their respective positions.
Instead, Nole left the PTPA, a new association that aims to protect the interests of players at the expense of tournaments. Unsurprisingly, this initiative immediately sparked tension between the ATP and the same number 1 in the world.
Speaking at a press conference at Wimbledon, Nole stated that his goal was to leave a legacy that goes beyond winning on the pitch.
Novak Djokovic on the Big 3
“I hope that the 3 of us (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic himself) and our generation can inspire other tennis players on and off the pitch,” said Djokovic.
“The three of us were on the players’ council: Federer and Nadal are still there, I was there for 10 years. This shows our desire to deal with some issues that are not just about hitting the tennis ball, but other things as well that are part of our ecosystem even outside the field.
I would like to see that from the younger generation of future leaders in men’s tennis. “According to Serbe, Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev have demonstrated the necessary qualities in this regard.
The 19-time major champion also believes Stefanos Tsitsipas has good potential as he is “clever and versatile”. “Zverev shows that (to maintain the sport also outside the tennis courts) and Medvedev also has these tendencies,” said the Serb.
“Tsitsipas is a very smart guy too, very interesting and versatile. I think tennis is in good hands when it comes to the next generation.” Roger Federer was recently defeated by the 2021 Wimbledon Championships.
He suffered a humiliating defeat in the quarter-finals against Hubert Hurkacz when the Polish player crushed him in straight sentences. Interestingly, he even won the Swiss maestro 6-0 in the last set and won the game 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-0.
Federer probably missed his last chance at a Grand Slam with his exit in the quarter of the Wimbledon Championships in 2021. This could even turn out to be the last Wimbledon for him as he turns 40 next month.
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