Novak Djokovic Reflects on His Journey Among Tennis's Elite
The Legacy of the Big 3
Serbian tennis icon Novak Djokovic has shared insights about his experience as part of the renowned 'Big 3' in tennis, which includes his long-time rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. This trio has dominated the sport for nearly two decades, collectively amassing numerous Grand Slam titles and shaping the modern landscape of men's tennis.
Grand Slam Achievements
Together, Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal have secured a remarkable total of 66 Grand Slam titles, solidifying their status as the most influential figures in men's tennis history. Djokovic currently leads the pack with 24 major titles, followed by Nadal with 22 and Federer with 20, marking him as the most successful among the three.
Djokovic's Feelings of Isolation
Despite his impressive achievements, Djokovic has expressed feelings of being an outsider within this elite group. In a candid interview with Slaven Bilic on 'Failures of Champions', he revealed that he often feels less appreciated by fans compared to Federer and Nadal. He stated, 'I acted and still felt like an unwanted child. I asked myself why that was. It hurt me.'
The Emotional Impact of Rivalry
Djokovic elaborated on his perception of being the 'third guy' in the trio, saying, 'I was never as loved as Federer and Nadal because I wasn't supposed to be there.' He acknowledged that many fans did not embrace his rise to the top, which added to his feelings of isolation.
Continuing the Legacy
With the retirements of both Federer and Nadal, Djokovic stands as the last active member of the 'Big 3', striving to uphold the legacy of their golden era while pursuing his own greatness. The trio recently reunited during Nadal's farewell ceremony at Roland Garros, sharing a poignant moment that highlighted their significant contributions to the sport.
Chasing New Records
At the 2025 French Open, Djokovic aimed for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title but fell short after losing to Jannik Sinner in the semifinals. He remains determined to achieve this milestone at Wimbledon, where he also seeks to match Federer’s record of eight titles.
Respect Among Rivals
Discussing his relationship with Federer and Nadal, Djokovic emphasized that he has never harbored ill feelings towards them. He stated, 'Just because someone is my biggest rival doesn't mean I wish them harm.' He expressed admiration for both players, particularly noting a stronger bond with Nadal.