For almost two decades, men’s tennis unfolded like a grand drama - three protagonists, three contrasting styles, and one golden era that fans will talk about for generations. Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer weren’t just champions; they were architects of an entire sporting age. As they carved out a combined 66 Grand Slams (they also ranked as world no. 1 in singles for a total of 947 weeks), the world watched in awe, realizing they weren’t witnessing rivalry - they were witnessing history. Yet even in a story filled with perfection and prestige, one question continues to echo across the tennis world: Who was the real G.O.A.T.?

That question resurfaced again, louder than ever, when an 11-time Grand Slam champion finally decided to weigh in. In an interview with MARCA from Stockholm, the ever-composed Bjorn Borg - whose ice-cold demeanor once made him the sport’s ultimate mental warrior—offered a rare moment of candor. When asked to rank the ‘Big 3,’ he didn’t hesitate. He didn’t dance around the debate. He didn’t soften the blow. “First Djokovic, then Nadal and Federer tied.”

Despite having won six of his eleven major titles on clay, he labeled Nadal as the best on clay and Federer on grass. But when it came to an overall analysis, he chose the Serb.

For Borg, the reasoning was simple. Novak Djokovic’s numbers, longevity, and adaptability made his pick most inevitable. At the height of the Big 3 wars, when Federer painted the court with elegance and Nadal bulldozed opponents with raw athleticism, Djokovic became the immovable force threading the needle between them.

But this wasn’t the first time that we’ve seen Borg heaping praise on the Serb. He has always been a big admirer of Nole, and in March 2023, he even admitted that he was impressed with what the “fantastic” Serbian has done for the sport of tennis.

Then in September this year, during an interview with Sky Sports, Bjorn Borg stated, “I think the way he's playing, Djokovic, for me, is the greatest player to have ever played the game. And then the second place comes to (Roger) Federer and (Rafa) Nadal. They tied for the second place…It's amazing how he can play that kind of tennis, 38 years old.”

So, to Borg, the math added up long ago. Novak Djokovic wasn’t just part of the ‘Big 3’ - he was leading it. But is it only him who thinks the Serb leads the race by a slight margin among the ‘Big 3’?

Former world no. 8 also ranks Novak Djokovic slightly higher than Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

The Big 3 debate has raged across generations, continents, and every corner of the tennis world. From living room arguments to TV studio panels, fans and experts alike have attempted to settle the question: Who truly stands above the rest?

And now, another former elite contender, Marcos Baghdatis—he also stepped forward with his verdict. Someone who didn’t just watch the ‘Big 3’ dominate - he experienced dominance from the other side of the net. Although he has managed to win a single match against both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, he failed to open his account against Novak Djokovic in their 8 meetings.

During a recent exclusive interview with Tennis365, he was asked to share his thoughts about the ‘Big 3’ and who he thinks was a complete player. In reply, he said, “I think Djokovic, and why I say that [is] because he had less weaknesses. I think maybe he volleys worse than Roger, but volleying is not a weakness. I’m talking on the baseline, the way he moved, the way he counter-punched, the way he attacked, the way he controlled the whole game — especially when I played against him. I would say that he was the best.”

He further added, “Roger, you know, you could see some weaknesses with his backhand. Rafa, the same a bit. But Djokovic, I think he’s more of a complete player. Maybe less better forehand than those two, but yeah, not too many weaknesses.”

Very few players have faced each titan at their most untouchable phase. Baghdatis is one of them. And when it came to ranking these three tennis greats on the basis of completeness - ability to defend, attack, adapt, and neutralize, he felt Novak Djokovic stood just a shade higher.

At 38, even after achieving almost everything, the Serb hasn’t given up his chase for excellence. This year didn’t go as per his standards, and he managed to win just 2 titles. But for the 2026 season, he has already sent a clear message: “I’m trying to rebuild my body so that the start of the next season is excellent, and hopefully, I can keep up with the best.” Do you think Djokovic can win his 25th Grand Slam title next season?

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallyTennis. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

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