Rafael Nadal Defines Big 4’s Legacy, Explains Why Their Rivalry Is ‘Great Message for the World’

Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray have lifted a combined 69 Grand Slam titles.

Rafael Nadal Defines Big 4’s Legacy, Explains Why Their Rivalry Is ‘Great Message for the World’

L-R: Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic (Image via X/CGTN Sports Scene)

Fighters on the court, but off the court, have respect for each other- that’s how Rafael Nadal wants to describe the rivalry of the Big 4. Throughout their respective careers, these Big 4- Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray kept each other on their toes.

This is why, Nadal thinks if there are more than two best rivals, the chances of dropping the motivation level are less because if one suffers from form issues or gets injured, the other will still be there to give tough competition. His three longtime rivals were present when he was bidding an emotional farewell on Court Philippe-Chatrier on May 25th, smiling and sharing a laugh.

They were beside him when French Tennis Federation (FFT) president Gilles Moretton and French Open director Amelie Mauresmo unveiled the plaque of Nadal’s footprint that will forever be engraved on the Philippe-Chatrier. At the press conference after the ceremony, Nadal said he wants the next generation of tennis players to learn from their rivalry. He said the reason why the Big 4 has achieved so much in their careers is because of the continuous competition amongst each other.

To have my three biggest rivals there in the court with me meant a lot. And at the same time it’s a great message for the world, I think. Best rivals, toughest rivalries probably in the history of our sport, are able to be good colleagues, to respect each other. You don’t need to hate the opponent to try to beat him with all your forces.

Rafael Nadal said at the press conference

The Big 4s have won a combined 69 Grand Slam titles. Federer was the first to retire (at the 2022 Laver Cup), followed by Murray at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Nadal hung up his racket at the Davis Cup after Spain’s 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands in the quarterfinal tie.

Djokovic, who turned 38 on May 22, is still chasing history. On Saturday, he beat Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz to lift his 100th ATP title at the Geneva Open, then flew to Paris to attend Nadal’s ceremony, and on May 27th, he will start his bid for his historic 25th Major against America’s Mackenzie McDonald.

Iga Swiatek cried during Rafael Nadal’s tribute ceremony

Iga Swiatek had to check her schedule to attend Rafael Nadal‘s farewell ceremony. But the tennis world knew that she definitely would be present to shed some tears along with Nadal and his other supporters.

Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek (2)
Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek (Image via Tennis X/The Tennis Letter)

Swiatek idolizes the 22-time Grand Slam champion. She grew up watching Nadal and has also practiced at his Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain. The Pole ace was the guest of honor at the academy’s graduation ceremony in 2023. The five-time Major champion, also a bookworm, was also seen enjoying a book about her idol.

On Court Philippe-Chatrier on May 25th, she was sitting in front of Carlos Alcaraz, with both wearing the ‘Merci Rafa’ T-shirt. Later on social media, she uploaded pictures from her time during the ceremony, including a selfie with the four-time Grand Slam champion, and confessed that she too cried.

Your legacy will last forever @rafaelnadal #yesicried.

Iga Swiatek wrote on Instagram

Check out her post here:

Swiatek, on her part, will be hoping to end her trophy drought at the French Open. Since lifting her fourth Roland Garros title last year, the Pole has failed to reach a tournament final, including in Madrid and Rome where she was the defending champion.

Alcaraz, on the other hand, is in red-hot form. He has reached the final of the three clay-court tournaments he has played before the French Open, winning two (in Monte Carlo and Rome).

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