In a recent interview, Italian tennis player Fabio Fognini shared his unique experiences facing the legendary "Big Three" - Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic. He also gave Federer the edge over the others, highlighting the distinct qualities of each player.Admiration for Federer
Thanks to their consistent dominance on the tour and a combined 66 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer are widely regarded as the "Big Three" of tennis. In his interview with Relevo, Fognini expressed his deep admiration for Federer, stating that he is the best among the trio. As a Federer fan, he believes that most people would likely share his views. He added that Djokovic often disrupts his opponent's rhythm and extends matches, making the games more intense."Against Novak and Roger, I've never won. They are three myths, even if they are different. Athletically speaking and as a tennis fan, I'm a Federer fan. No disrespect to the other two, but I think if you ask people who was the best, 95% of them will say Roger Federer. It was a pleasure to watch him play. Djokovic, on the other hand, wastes your time and doesn't let you play," he said (via Tennis Temple).
Domination of Nadal
Later, Fognini praised Nadal's dominance, emphasizing his knack for wearing down opponents both physically and mentally. Apart from his lone win in Monte-Carlo, the Italian admitted that he felt utterly exhausted in all their other encounters."As for Rafa, what can I say? He destroys you physically and psychologically. When I played him, except in Monte-Carlo where I ended up winning, I couldn't stand up. It's always happened. No matter where we played, the next day I was dead, completely exhausted," he added.
Federer as the Biggest Rival
Speaking to AS in August, Rafael Nadal called Roger Federer his biggest rival. Nadal explained that although he has faced Djokovic the most, Federer dominated his early, formative years, making their battles tough."I've played Djokovic more than anyone else, but for me, my biggest rival was Federer. When I came onto the circuit, Federer was already there, and he was the first. In the prime years of my career, it was Roger and Novak. But in those early years, which are so impactful, it was always Roger," Nadal said.Federer played his final match at the 2022 Laver Cup, partnering with Nadal in doubles. Despite the emotional occasion, the duo fell to Team World's Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.The Big Three era officially came to a close when Rafael Nadal retired at the 2024 Davis Cup, concluding a remarkable two-decade career. Nadal has won 22 Grand Slam titles, the second-most in the Open Era behind Djokovic's 24.
