“We have a lot in common,” Roger Federer explains what allowed the Big 4 to exist beyond their performances on the court

Federer is the only retired one from the Big-4.

“We have a lot in common,” Roger Federer explains what allowed the Big 4 to exist beyond their performances on the court

L-R: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray (Via Imago)

For almost two decades, the men’s tennis game was dominated by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, dubbed the Big 4. Their competitiveness gave them an edge over their counterparts. But Federer believes that their bond lasted beyond the court because they were responsible parents.

For the Big 4, life beyond the sport matters a lot to them as titles and achievements are valued. Federer had his four children even before retiring in 2022. He and his wife Mirka Federer have two sets of twins: two boys, Leo and Lenny, and two girls Myla Rose and Charlene. The same thing goes for Novak Djokovic, who looks far from retirement. The Serbian has a boy, Stefan, and a daughter named Tara.

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Andy Murray married his wife Kim Sears in April 2015 and they now have four children together: Sophia, Edie, Teddie, and Lola. Rafael Nadal is the only one among the Big 4 to have his son late in his career. He and his wife Maria Francisca Perello welcomed Rafael in October 2022. However, away from their families, they won 68 Grand Slams and over 100 Masters 1000 titles.

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During a recent interview, Federer explained that despite the Big 4 rivalry and competitiveness, they had a great bond beyond the court because they were responsible parents.

I also believe that what connects us all, including Andy, is the fact of having been parents. Beyond all the matches we have played and the rivalry, we have a lot in common and things to say to each other. He (Djokovic) has two children, Andy has four and Rafa was about to have his first child [he will have him a month later]… It was wonderful to be able to experience all this as a family.

Roger Federer said via El Pais

While Federer is busy in his post-retirement endeavors, Murray will play Alexei Popyrin on Tuesday in the opening round of the Queen’s Championship. While Djokovic is sidelined, Nadal has revealed he will return to compete at the Nordea Open in Bastad ahead of the Paris Olympics.

Roger Federer admits some fans’ hate for Novak Djokovic fueled Nole to become a great player

Roger Federer has revealed the crowd against Novak Djokovic during the early stages of his career, fueled him to become a great player. When Djokovic began to win titles, tennis fans were either supporting Federer or Rafael Nadal, as a consequence, the Serb slowly became one of the most hated players.

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic
Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic (via Imago)

However, the hate-motivated Nole has now won 24 Grand Slam titles, four more than Federer and two more than Nadal.

Take that as motivation when the crowd is against you. That can fuel you in a way. You can take it from anywhere and Novak has been a master of that.
Roger Federer said during an exclusive interview with BBC Breakfast

Federer won 20 Grand Slam titles and has a 23-27 head-to-head record against the Serb, including 6-11 in major events. In the finals as well, Djokovic leads with a 13–6 record against the Swiss great.

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