Novak Djokovic, the last active member of tennis’s legendary “Big 3,” has spoken out following Rafael Nadal’s announcement of his retirement, marking the end of an iconic era in the sport. With Roger Federer retiring in 2022, Djokovic will now be the sole torchbearer of this golden generation.
Nadal, 38, revealed through social media on Thursday that he would bid farewell to professional tennis after the Davis Cup Finals later this year. The Spaniard expressed satisfaction with his career achievements and declared it was the right moment to step away from the game.
Djokovic, currently competing at the Shanghai Masters, swiftly responded with an emotional tribute to Nadal. The Serbian icon thanked his long-time rival for the fierce competition that defined their historic battles and promised to be present at Nadal’s final tournament to honor their shared legacy.
Reflecting on the moment, Djokovic admitted that while he still enjoys competing, the retirements of Federer and Nadal have deeply impacted him. “A big part of me has left,” he confessed, alluding to the void left by the departure of two figures who shaped his career.
The trio of Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer redefined tennis over the past two decades, amassing an incredible 66 Grand Slam titles between them and dominating the World No. 1 ranking for an astonishing 947 weeks combined. Their fierce rivalries not only elevated each of their games but also captivated millions of fans around the world.
Djokovic and Nadal’s rivalry, in particular, has been one for the ages. The two faced off 60 times on tour, with Djokovic holding a slim 31-29 advantage. Despite Djokovic’s overall lead, Nadal boasts the edge in Grand Slam matchups, holding an 11-7 record, including a 5-4 lead in Grand Slam finals.
Acknowledging Nadal’s retirement, Djokovic expressed his shock, despite knowing the Mallorcan’s time on the tour was limited. “He’s my greatest rival,” Djokovic stated, underscoring the mutual respect that has characterized their epic battles on the biggest stages.
As Nadal steps away, Djokovic remains the last of the trio still active, carrying the legacy of a generation that has shaped tennis history like no other.
