Paul McNamee argues why Rafael Nadal is ahead in some ‘important’ areas of the game compared to his counterparts Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer

Paul McNamee reveals why Rafael Nadal leads Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in important areas of tennis.

Paul McNamee argues why Rafael Nadal is ahead in some ‘important’ areas of the game compared to his counterparts Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer

(L) Rafael Nadal, (R) Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, (in circle) Paul McNamee (via Tennis.com/The New York Times/Sofia Open)

One of the first metrics that comes up when discussing Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic is how many Grand Slams each has won. However, in important areas of their games, Nadal stands taller than the rest. Paul McNamee has opined that the Spaniard has a better game record than Federer and Djokovic.

Nadal is second on the list of all-time singles Majors winners with 22 titles, which is two more than Federer and two less than Djokovic. Besides that, he is synonymous with clay courts. Out of his 22 Grand Slams, he won 14 of them at the French Open. In fact, from 2005 to 2014, he won Roland Garros nine times. He won 92 ATP-level career titles, of which 63 of them were won on clay courts.

On the other hand, Djokovic and Federer didn’t enjoy much success on clay. Despite their dominance on hard courts and grass courts, Djokovic managed to win just 20 on clay, while Roger Federer won 11. Nadal’s consistently excellent performance on clay has made them have the highest percentage of first-serve return points, second-serve return points, return games won, and break points won.

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ATP legend Paul McNamee admitted that the reason for Nadal having the best game among the Big Three was because he prioritized clay events over other events.

Well I’m a big fan of Rafa’s game, but of course he wins those stats categories because he played a far higher % of matches on clay, where statistically you win far more return points and break serve more. So perhaps give your followers more credit please?
Paul McNamee said on X
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Nadal and Djokovic have not had great seasons on the ATP Tour this year, while Federer retired in 2022. In fact, for the first time since 2003, none of the Big Three have won any of the four Grand Slams.

Paul McNamee believes Carlos Alcaraz cannot surpass Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam tally

Paul McNamee has doubts over the prospect of Carlos Alcaraz surpassing Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam tally. Alcaraz won his fourth Major title at Wimbledon in July. However, he is well behind Djokovic’s 24 Majors, which is the most won by a male player in the Open Era.

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz (via News18)

Alcaraz has flourished for the past three years, winning at least one Grand Slam each year. The Spaniard has been dubbed by fans and pundits to become one of the greatest players of the sport. However, McNamee believes Djokovic has cemented his place as the greatest player of all time.

It will take 20 years for someone like Alcaraz to break Novak’s Grand Slam record – it’s not impossible, but it’s unlikely. So, in twenty years, Novak will be talked about as the greatest of all time. Forget all personal affinities, his biography is the greatest.
Paul McNamee said (via Tennis365)
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Recently, Djokovic revealed his intention to focus more on Grand Slam events after failing to win one this year. The Serbian won the elusive gold medal at the Paris Olympics, making sure this year doesn’t end fruitless.