Rafael Nadal’s comments on the popularity of Roger Federer and the Big 3 sparked controversy in the tennis world when he favored and voiced his support for Federer’s playing style over that of Novak’s.
The Big 3 of Nadal, Novak, and Federer have dominated the sport for over two decades. Their fierce battles and rivalry have been a delightful watch for all of Tennis. But, there is a divide between Roger and Nadal’s fans and Novak’s fans.
The differences were apparent last week when Rafael Nadal’s comments from his interview with Spanish media house El Pais went viral. The Spaniard praised his Swiss rival for possessing a greater fan following due to his ‘elegant’ playing style that showcased ‘perfection’.
“Since I have a memory of tennis, Federer is the player who has impressed me the most, the one who has entertained me the most, the one who has moved me the most.”
He also mentioned that sharing the court with Federer has ‘moved’ him the most, also implying that it impressed him more than Novak’s.
“Watching Federer play has moved me more than Djokovic, and in the end, tennis is about emotion; it’s the emotion that draws you to it.”
The Tennis World buzzed off on Nadal’s comments, each fan defending their favorite superstars. While the Nadal and Federer fans appreciated and liked the remarks, Novak Djokovic‘s fans took the comment as hateful and jealous.
One fan sarcastically commented on the situation and favored Nadal’s take.
“100% – the only thing Djokovic moves me to do is turn the TV off ..”
Others also supported the notion and tweeted out their opinions:
Literally how the rest of the world feels exactly 💯💯💯👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
— Professor Nez (@professornez) December 31, 2023
translation: "Sorry @DjokerNole I did not mean to hurt your feelings"
— Cyclepsyche (@Crank_n_Pedal) December 31, 2023
The fact that Nadal had to make such a statement is clear Novax is bothered and indeed intimated.
Novax's misread is eating him up. His sentiments made the social rounds/blown up out of proportion by his cult
While another fan highlighted the bitterness in Nadal’s comments which stems from his own health and medical concerns. He also appreciated the work his rival Serbian had put forth for his body.
“Nadal is still whining about his physical issues and Novak not having them as much. That’s credit to Novak for taking care of his body. Nadal does no such thing. He’s gone senile because of Novak. It’s truly amazing what’s unfolded”, he tweeted.
Another fan deemed the Spaniard’s comments as ‘childish’, similar to that of a 12-year-old kid. The Twitter handle also made comments on the GOAT debate.
“Is Nadal 12 years old? Seriously? He “can’t comment on Novak” Rafa is burning up inside because everyone from the players to the commentators know Djokovic is GOAT.”
Is Nadal 12 years old? Seriously? He “can’t comment on Novak” Rafa is burning up inside because everyone from the players to the commentators know Djokovic is GOAT
— artmom97 (@artmom97) January 2, 2024
He’s so bitter – always knew he belonged in the class of small men but of late he’s on a new level of bitterness. The good news is bitterness harms it’s host too.
— Jayne Jane (@JJayne3) January 1, 2024
With Rafael Nadal out, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray lead the older generation of players in the Australian Open 2024
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic and former Wimbledon winner Andy Murray will lead the charge for the older generation of players in the upcoming Australian Open. The main draw of the tournament was announced on Thursday.
Novak and Murray also have a chance to face each other in the Third round of the competition if they both are successful in overcoming the first and second-round challenges. While Novak starts off the tournament facing a Qualifier, Andy Murray is set to face World No. 30, Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
A list of Novak Djokovic’s potential opponents in the Australian Open are listed below:
The main draw for the Top 4 seeded players can also be seen in this tweet by Open Era Tennis.
