Rafael Nadal picks between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic and names hardest opponents

Rafael Nadal has named Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer as his toughest opponents throughout his illustrious career, but he’s given extra kudos to one rival in particular.

As the ‘Big Three’ era of tennis draws to a close, with Nadal retiring in November 2024after an incredible run on the ATP circuit, and Federer having bid adieu two years earlier, Djokovic remains the last man standing. However, at 37 and with injuries creeping up, his time on the court might also be winding down.

Tennis aficionados have long argued over which member of the trio reigns supreme, and while this debate is set to continue for ages, Nadal has shed some light on who he found most challenging to play against – and who he believes was his ‘greatest rival’.