In the quiet afterglow of a long, storied career, Rafael Nadal didn’t speak like a man defending his legacy. He spoke like someone grateful to have lived it. As he reflected on the era that reshaped tennis, he didn’t separate himself from it - he embraced the brotherhood that defined it. In a recent conversation with Jorge Valdano on the Movistar+ program Universo Valdano, his calm yet purposeful tone reflected on the decades-long dance between himself, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic.

Together, they were the fiercest of rivals, pushing each other into realms previously unimagined. Yet, as Nadal suggested, it wasn’t just the trophies or the rivalries that would outlast them - it was the ethos they injected into the sport. During the conversation, when Nadal was asked to share his thoughts on the ‘Big 3’ and ‘Sincaraz,’ he revealed, “You go through phases. When you're younger, you experience everything more intensely. With age, things soften. The positive aspect of our era is that we've finished our careers and can go out to dinner together without any issues. This is something to be proud of. We competed for the most important things, but we didn't take it to extremes. The rivalry stayed on the court, and the personal relationships have always been of respect, admiration, and even a certain friendship towards our rivals.”

For years, fans marveled at the on-court wars and off-court warmth that defined tennis’ golden era. Roger Federer’s elegance, Novak Djokovic’s grit, and Rafael Nadal’s relentless fire clashed countless times, yet the respect never cracked. That dynamic - so rare, so powerful - became a blueprint for today’s stars. Speaking more on that, he further added, “I feel happy to have been part of this story. Without taking any merit away from Sinner and Alcaraz, who want to do things right, I believe we (the Big 3) have contributed to the new generations' thinking that you can be a fierce competitor without needing to hate your rival. You can have a relationship not of friendship, but optimal. It's a good legacy we leave behind.”

Nadal’s message wasn’t about nostalgia. It was about gratitude - gratitude for a rivalry that shaped him, for peers who elevated him, and for a sport that will continue to evolve under the values they established. What do Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have to say on this incredible bond amid an intense rivalry, though?

Roger Federer talks about the bond with his fierce rivals, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic

Rafael Nadal’s reflection on the Big 3’s influence isn’t an isolated sentiment. The spirit of respect he described is one that Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have echoed time and again when looking back at their own journeys. If Nadal highlighted the culture they created, Federer and Djokovic helped give it shape through the way they approached each other across two decades of relentless battles.

In a recent interview with Tages-Anzeiger, the ‘Swiss Maestro’ stated, “Rivalries like that create a huge bond. I see it very differently today than before, with much more distance. Novak doesn’t know what that’s like yet. Rafa is slowly getting there. When you’re still playing, you can’t think about it the way I do today. The more time passes, the less you identify yourself as an individual player and the more you see the big picture.”

He joked, “What’s funny is: Someone might have taken something totally personally—and you can’t even remember it anymore.” Having said that, Federer also assured that he’s definitely up for sitting down together and talking about the good old days. Now, since we’ve heard what Roger Federer had to say on their incredible relationship, let’s take a look at what Novak Djokovic has to say about his bond with Rafael Nadal and the Swiss superstar.

During the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, Djokovic made a statement that all the tennis fans have always wanted to hear. He said that when he retires, he would like to have a sip of a Margarita on the beach alongside Federer and Nadal, and just reflect on their rivalry and everything. Speaking about the role of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in shaping his tennis career, he further added, “I’ve always respected and admired him (Nadal) greatly. Thanks to him and to Federer, I grew and became who I am. This will unite us forever, and for that I’m very grateful.”

These moments remind us of some of the comments that both Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner made about themselves. As the new rise, players like them carry the torch with a maturity that mirrors what came before.

Remember what Alcaraz said in an interview in October 2024? The Spaniard reflected on his rivalry with Sinner by saying, “I want to say I’m grateful to have him around on tour. Thanks to him, I push myself to the limit. I give my 100% every day to be a better player. It’s a pleasure every time I share the court with him. Sometimes it’s tough to find the joy. But it’s great every time I face him.” Even when Sinner made a comeback after serving the doping ban, Alcaraz said it’s great to have him back as he needs him on the tour because he pushes him to become a better player.

Just like the Spaniard, even Jannik Sinner has time and again reflected on how they push each other to the limits. Recently, after beating Alcaraz at the ATP Finals, he stated, “If it’s another player than me, I’ll always choose you. You are definitely a player I look up to. A lot of motivation... I need this.”

In their rivalry, tennis can see its future: fierce, respectful, and guided by the very ethos that made Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic legendary.

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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