Rafael Nadal claims rivalry with Roger Federer was ‘more attractive for fans’ than with Novak Djokovic
Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer are the most successful ATP players, having won 66 Majors between them.
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Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer (Image via X)
Rafael Nadal reflected on his illustrious career during the latest episode of the Served with Andy Roddick podcast. While commenting on his rivalry with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, Nadal snubbed the former and explained why he thinks fans loved his matches against the Swiss maestro.
Federer took home 20 Grand Slam titles, while Nadal ended his career with 22 Majors. Djokovic has yet to hang up his racket and leads the list with 24 Majors, the most in the history of Men’s tennis.
Nadal had locked horns with Federer 40 times and edged him 24-16 in the head-to-head meetings. Against Djokovic, however, he’s 29-31. The Spaniard said that the strategies against Federer were different than the ones he employed against Nole.
Well, I think having a completely different approach to the matches. I think with Roger, the match, I think that’s, in my opinion, that’s why the rivalry with Roger was a little bit more I mean attractive for the fans than Novak against me. Even if I played more times against Novak.
Rafael Nadal said
Federer called time on his career at the 2022 Laver Cup. Djokovic too has reached the twilight of his career and is struggling to play consistent tennis due to injury issues. He came close to his historic 25th Major at the Australian Open but his hamstring injury spoiled the plans and he had to call off the semifinal match he played against Alexander Zverev.
Djokovic was recently seen in action in the ongoing Indian Wells. The 37-year-old entered the tournament as a five-time champion but fell to Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round.
Rafael Nadal backs Jannik Sinner amid doping saga
Jannik Sinner won’t be in action till May 4 as he is serving his three-month doping suspension. The Italian tested positive for clostebol in March last year; and after an initial no-fault or negligence verdict, there were demands of a lengthy ban on him from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and they approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for the same.
WADA, however, withdrew the appeal and instead chose to hand him a three-month ban. This exacerbated the controversy, given that several players faced harsh punishment for similar doping cases and critics were convinced the scandal was wrapped up in a convenient manner and felt WADA chose a lenient suspension because Sinner is a top player.
Amidst criticism, the World No.1 found a supporter in Rafael Nadal. The 38-year-old lauded the youngster for the way he handled the controversy without letting it affect his matches.
Jannik is another good guy. Not much of a show-off. He’s focused on what he’s doing. Of course, he went through a very tough process the last year. It’s amazing the way he was able to keep being focused on what he’s doing.
Rafael Nadal said on Served with Andy Roddick podcast
While dealing with the doping saga, Sinner won the US Open, the ATP Finals in 2024; and finished the season as the most successful ATP player with eight overall titles. Sinner then carried his form into the 2025 season, defending the Australian Open. He may play in the Italian Open next as it starts on May 7.
Rafael Nadal retired at the 2024 Davis Cup
Rafael Nadal suffered a career-threatening hip injury at the 2023 Australian Open. It indeed turned out to be the major reason behind his retirement.
Nadal remained on the sidelines for the rest of the season and made his comeback at the Brisbane International the following year. Another injury forced him to miss more tournaments but he finally made his much-awaited comeback at the Barcelona Open. A few months afterward, Nadal finally closed the most remarkable chapter of his life at the Davis Cup Finals.
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