Novak Djokovic may be regarded as the greatest male tennis player of all time, boasting a record 24 Grand Slam titles and the most weeks as world No. 1. Yet, when it comes to best-of-five-set matches in Grand Slam and Davis Cup competitions, Rafael Nadal remains unmatched.

Nadal: The Undisputed King of Five-Set Matches

Nadal’s extraordinary career is highlighted by his stunning record in best-of-five-set matches. Thanks to his dominance at the French Open, where he claimed an unparalleled 14 titles, Nadal ended his career with an impressive 345 wins from 391 five-set matches, resulting in a win percentage of 88.23%.

In contrast, Djokovic holds 406 wins from 465 five-set matches, giving him a close 87.31% win rate. While Djokovic has the chance to narrow the gap in the coming seasons, Nadal’s record may remain one of the most iconic benchmarks in tennis history.

The Five-Set Masters: Top Players

• Rafael Nadal: 345 wins from 391 matches – 88.23%
• Novak Djokovic: 406 wins from 465 matches – 87.31%
• Bjorn Borg: 216 wins from 251 matches – 86.05%
• Roger Federer: 424 wins from 499 matches – 84.96%

The Debate on Five-Set Matches in Grand Slams

In recent years, there have been discussions about reducing Grand Slam matches to a best-of-three-set format, citing modern audiences’ shorter attention spans. However, Nadal has strongly opposed such changes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining tradition in tennis.

“Playing five sets in the Grand Slams makes the difference because it demands more from players physically and mentally. It’s part of the sport’s history and what makes tennis unique,” Nadal once said.

Nadal believes that the drama, endurance, and memorable moments created in five-set matches are integral to the essence of Grand Slam tennis.

Nadal’s Legacy in Tennis History

While the debate over the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) title will continue, Nadal’s dominance in long-format matches adds to his unparalleled legacy. His records remind fans of his resilience, unmatched mental strength, and ability to outlast even the fiercest opponents.

As Djokovic chases Nadal’s five-set win rate, it will take consistent success to even come close. Yet, Nadal’s legacy as the king of the Grand Slam marathon is firmly cemented.