Federer's game is less predictable than Nadal's.Image: trapezoid
The question of who is the best player of all time and the legacy of the “Big Three” will continue to haunt the tennis world for a long time, even if two thirds of the trio, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal (along with Novak Djokovic), now retired. This is also demonstrated in a short film recorded as part of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown Tour in Frankfurt.
Canadian Denis Shapovalov, Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis and Austrian Dominic Thiem sat around a table discussing the playing styles of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. Therefore, the Swiss are said to be very different from the other two countries in one aspect.
“Against Federer, you felt like a schoolboy,” Shapovalov recalled of a match in the 2019 Miami Open semifinals, in which he defeated top players – including Andrei Rubb Lev and Frances Tiafoe. “But against Roger I felt like a junior on the pitch, which was disgusting.”
Kokkinakis shared a similar view, saying that as an opponent, Federer makes you feel ridiculous. “I never saw him sweat. His hair was always perfect. He was just kidding you and it didn't look like he was taking it seriously,” the Australian explained. “One point he's hooking the ball, the next point he's hitting it really hard. He really bullies you,” Shapovalov added.
Federer gave Shapovalov no chance in the Miami semifinals.Image source: EPA/EPA
Against Nadal and Djokovic it felt completely different: “At least Rafa was groaning. It felt like you were being chased all over the court. Noel was running and gliding all over the court,” Kokkinakis explained. There are other differences: “Nadal's shot selection feels predictable. “You always know what he's doing now, but he's so good that you still can't do anything about it,” Shapovalov said. Thiem added Dow: You think you've figured out the secret against Roger. I was putting a lot of spin on his backhand and he was just hitting it toward the baseline.
Federer has lost to Dominic Thiem more times than he has won.Photo credit: AP/AP
But Kokkinakis and Thiem in particular should have fond memories of Federer. The Australian won the only match of his career against the Swiss, taking Thiem's record to five wins and two losses. (Abu)
Tennis players who have won at least two Grand Slam titles (since 1968)
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Tennis players who have won at least two Grand Slam titles (since 1968)
Novak Djokovic (2008-2023): 24 Grand Slam titles (10 Australian Open, 7 Wimbledon, 4 US Open, 3 French Open).
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