Rafael Nadal hints at bringing the tennis rivalries with Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray to the golf course

Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray were the latest members of the Big 4 to retire from professional tennis.

Rafael Nadal hints at bringing the tennis rivalries with Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray to the golf course

Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray (via X)

22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal has spoken about his great rivalries with the other members of the Big 4 (Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray). The Spaniard claimed that there was not much difference between them as tennis players.

However, Nadal believes the differences would be more noticeable if the four played golf. He backs his chances against the other Big 4 members, saying he has an “advantage” over them.

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Could I ever challenge them on a golf course? Yes, it could happen, but they have to practice – I have a slight advantage in that respect (smiles). On a tennis court, there wasn’t much difference between us, but in this area, I’m much better than them (laughs).

Rafael Nadal said in an interview on Telegraph

Three members of the Big 4 have already retired. Federer was the first to retire in 2022, playing his last professional match at the Laver Cup alongside Nadal. Then, Nadal and Murray said goodbye to the sport in 2024.

However, things have recently changed as Murray decided to become Djokovic’s coach. The duo has been seen together at several events, including the 2025 Australian Open.

Rafael Nadal among winners in Laureus World Sports Awards 2025

Rafael Nadal received the Laureus Sporting Icon Award on Monday night in Madrid. He was honored for his amazing career in tennis and his impact on the sport.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Image via X/The Globe and Mail)

Nadal had won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award twice, in 2011 and 2021. He retired in November after playing for Spain in the Davis Cup. His career was full of great achievements.

He won 92 titles and had 1,080 match wins. Nadal was ranked world No. 1 for 209 weeks, the sixth-longest in history since 1973.

On the red carpet, Nadal shared a laugh with Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz was up for the World Sportsman of the Year award, which went to Mondo Duplantis. Many other tennis stars were there, including Novak Djokovic, Paula Badosa, and Garbine Muguruza.

Novak Djokovic eyes century mark in Madrid

Novak Djokovic is back at the Madrid Open after three years. He is aiming for his 100th career title, a big moment in his tennis journey.

Novak Djokovic Monte Carlo Masters 2025
Novak Djokovic (via X/We Love Tennis)

The 37-year-old is the fourth seed in the tournament. He is in the same half of the draw as Carlos Alcaraz, who is dealing with some fitness issues but is a favorite in Spain.

Djokovic has won the Madrid Open three times. He last played there in 2022, when he lost to Alcaraz in a close semifinal. That match was their first meeting.

Since winning his 99th title at the Paris Olympics, Djokovic has reached four finals but didn’t win any. Only two players — Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer — have won 100 or more titles.