Rafael Nadal continues to hold bragging rights over a ‘BAGEL’ record over Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer which is unlikely to be matched

Nadal's unbreakable record of having straight sets against the other two of the Big Three makes the Spaniard so special in the sport.

Rafael Nadal continues to hold bragging rights over a ‘BAGEL’ record over Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer which is unlikely to be matched

Rafael Nadal has a unique record against Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer (Via user-generated content)

Rafael Nadal is undoubtedly one of the greatest tennis players in the history of the sport. The Spaniard, along with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, has ruled the sport for more than a decade. Neither there has been a turf nor there is a territory in which either of the three hasn’t dominated. Colloquially known as the ‘Big Three’, they have 293 combined Singles titles among three.

However, there is a record that Rafa has over his other counterparts of the Big Three which is far from being beaten. The Spaniard is the only player to have beaten Nole and Federer in straight sets in major Grand Slam finals. Rafa beat Djokovic 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 in the French Open 2020 finals and beat Federer 6-1, 6-3, 6-0 in the 2008 finals of the French Open. This puts a light on the greatness of the Spaniard.

Beating the likes of Nole and Federer in straight sets, that too in a Grand Slam final is a humongous task. The Spaniard however has done it against both of them. Rafa was an absolute beast in the French Open.

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How the ‘Big Three’ fare up against each other in the Grand Slam Finals?

The Big Three combinedly have a tally of 66 major Grand Slam titles. Djokovic leads the charge with 24, and Rafa and Federer follow with 22 and 20, respectively.

Rafael Nadal's unbreakable record of having straight sets against the other two of the Big Three makes the Spaniard so special in the sport.
Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer (Image via Eurosport)

The three have some of the most fearsome matches among them. Among the three, Rafa has the most wins against the other two in Grand Slam events. He has a win-loss record of 11-7 in major Grand Slam finals. Djokovic follows next with eight wins and six losses to his name. Federer comes third with four wins and ten losses.

With Federer retired, Nole and Rafa are also in the twilight of their career. Their era is almost on the verge of ending. With the 2024 season set to commence in January, it will mark Rafa’s comeback for most probably his last professional tennis season.

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