The Federer Nadal Djokovic Rivalry Explained

 Djokovic is the player I've faced the most, but, for me, my main rival has been Federer: this is how Rafa Nadal described his rivalry with the other two members of the Big Three in an interview with 'As. The Manacor native highlights how the Swiss influenced him in the first decades of his career When I arrived on the tour, it was Federer who was there, and he was the first. In the years when I was at my best in every way, it was Roger and Novak. But in the early years, which are the ones that leave their mark on you in a special way, Roger was always there.

In fact, Nadal feels he was the one who most influenced both of them I think, and I don't know why, that my rivalry with the two of them has been more intense than the one they had with each other. I don't know the exact reason, but I feel that's how the world perceives it. In contrast to Roger, I'm clear that it's because it was a very marked contrast in styles and ways of seeing and approaching the sport. And with Nole, of course, it's been an impressive challenge, he added.

Djokovic Shakes Everything Up

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However, although he defends Federer as his greatest rival, Rafa declares that 'Nole' is the best in the world: "The numbers indicate that he's the best, so his tennis level has also been the best, and he's also the one who has managed to stay injury-free the longest. That has allowed him to maintain his physical, tennis, and mental level for longer. It's not an excuse; thanks to that, he's the best, and he's truly earned it, he concluded. Carlos Alcaraz has once again excited tennis fans at the start of the clay-court season.

The Murcian is once again shining at his best, and that, as has become tradition, has provoked a very strong reaction from many icons of the world of racket sports. The one from El Palmar managed the hours of the final against Sinner one thousand percent. And, after having scored a very stuck first set, he did not let the world number one pass in a second game in which he gave his game a lot of order and plans. Jim Courier, former world number one and tennis legend, realized it and, in a statement to 'Tennis Channel' wanted to surrender to Carlos's ability to evolve and his intellect to craft.

Rivalry with Djokovic

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a strategy that shut out Sinner completely. Alcaraz must introduce tactics into the match with great definition. He can apply all his athleticism and talent to other players, but he is aware that he needs to be astute and well-organized when playing Sinner so the other is not at ease, the American said. Courier also highlighted Carlos's kindness in not being as attacking as the Murcian normally is He can improvise and win for the rest of the team most of the time, but he knows he won't be able to get his way with Jannik, so he doesn't even try.

The Murcian secured second place on the professional circuit by reaching the quarterfinals in Rome, but his victory over Sinner in the final still gives him a chance to be number one at the end of the year. The clay-court season is just getting underway, and Carlos Alcaraz is set to return to his best form. The same thing happened last season, and after the victory in Rome, it can be confirmed that something similar is happening this season. The Murcian had been through a few months of uncertainty and ups and downs.

Friendship with Federer

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Just when it seemed he was back at his best, he was presented with an unexpected defeat. Carlitos's start to the season hasn't been easy, but little by little, he's been regaining his smile. And that has gone hand in hand with the arrival of clay courts to the professional level. This truth comes to Alcaraz's mind: on dirt his game is extremely difficult to defend. Yesterday he had little to prove it, it was Rome's second final match against Jannik Sinner.

Thanks to the 1,000 points earned in the Italian capital, Carlos is once more the world's number two and reduces Sinner's advantage by 350 points on the ATP ranking. The transalpine is leading with 10,380 points. 1,530 points behind stands Alcaraz with 8,850. True that the Murcian remains far from his best teammate but, with over half of the season still ahead, Carlos is still in the running to be top of the world list. The Philippe-Chatrier court which has witnessed him reign supreme as the king of the clay at 14 times will pay him a warm tribute next 25th of May.

Conclusion

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In honor of the 20th anniversary of Rafa Nadal's first Roland Garros, and after this November was the last in which he definitively hung up his racket, a tribute will be held for the native of Manacor on May 25th at the Parisian center court. Tournament director Amelia Mauresmo didn't want to give away too many clues, but she did share some secrets about what they have planned. Speaking to Eurosport, the former tennis player assured that it will be a "simple, authentic, and true" event. We want to pay tribute to Rafa and make sure we celebrate him properly. A 14-time champion here is a very special memory.

It's very difficult to beat him the way he's playing now. But no one is invincible. Novak Djokovic after his third defeat at Roland Garros against Rafael Nadal. He needed three more to finally beat him in the 2015 quarterfinals. Nadal is surely the best in history on this court and one of the best players to have ever played this sport. Djokovic after another defeat to Nadal at Roland Garros, in the 2012 final. Ifyou want to beat Rafa on his court, you have to play your best tennis. Tonight I played my best tennis." It was a privilege to be on court with Rafa for this incredible match.