Roger Federer Revisits ‘Golden Time’ in Tennis Dominated by Him, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray

On Saturday (August 29), Mirka Federer introduced her husband, Roger Federer, to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. In an emotionally charged atmosphere, Mirka paid a heartfelt tribute to him before the 20-time Grand Slam champion delivered his speech.

Federer also sat for an interview with Tennis Channel, during which he reminisced about the era dominated by him and his three former rivals, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray. He said that back when he was a newcomer, he wasn’t as good as he believes Nadal, Lleyton Hewitt, and Carlos Alcaraz were when they were teenagers. To maintain his dominance, Federer had to reinvent himself.

I mean, early on, I was taking losses a lot. In the juniors, coming through the tour as well, I was not, I would say, quite as good as Rafa was or Lleyton was, as an example, or, I’d say even Alcaraz as an example, who were like, incredible teenagers. So I mean, I was good, very good, but not that great. So I was used to losing some more than these guys were.

Federer credited the intense competition from Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray for making him a better player. The Big 4 have won a combined 69 Grand Slam titles.

But then, you know, into the domination phase came also a time when I had to reinvent myself, when I lost the World No.1 ranking, because once you get used to a certain way of play, it’s maybe harder to adjust as well. […] And that’s why I’m so respectful to the fact that I’m actually happy that Murray, Djokovic and Nadal all played at the same time as me at some point, and that we could face off the way we did. I mean, it was truly a golden time in tennis, I believe.

Roger Federer added

After Federer, Murray and Nadal also hung up their rackets. Nole is the only member of this legendary quartet that is still chasing records. Federer was the first man in history to reach the 20 Grand Slam titles tally. Nadal and Djokovic are the only two players who have won more Majors than the Swiss maestro.

Novak Djokovic pays tribute to Kei Nishikori

Novak Djokovic is in New York to chase his record-extending 25th Grand Slam title at the US Open. He will face Mariano Navone in the first round. At the pre-tournament press conference, the 39-year-old paid tribute to Japanese great Kei Nishikori, who will retire at the end of this season.

I’ve said it many times in the past that Kei is one of the most talented players that I’ve faced and that I’ve seen play. Incredible footwork. So quick. […] It’s just unfortunate that he’s struggled with his injuries so much in his career. I’m sure that he’d achieve even more things if he was a bit more healthier than he was in his career.

Nishikori did not get a wild card to feature in the main draw. He instead played the qualifiers and lost to compatriot Rei Sakamoto in his third match. Nishikori, a former World No.4, lost to Marin Cilic in the 2014 US Open final.

The Serb, on the other hand, lost to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals in last year’s US Open. This year, he has played just one Grand Slam final, at the Australian Open, which he lost to Alcaraz.

The Spaniard, in fact, is the reason why Djokovic lost the finals of the 2023 Wimbledon, 2024 Wimbledon, and this year’s Australian Open. Before arriving in New York, Djokovic played the Cincinnati Masters, only to lose in the opening round.

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