Nadal Reflects on Legendary Rivalries

Rafael Nadal has spoken candidly about the challenges of his rivalries with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, asserting that the trio “pushed ourselves to the limit in every sense.”

The 38-year-old Spaniard brought the curtain down on his incredible 23-year career in November at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals. Federer, 43, retired in 2022, while Djokovic, 37, remains a dominant force in the sport.

The competition between Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic transcended tennis, with their rivalries considered among the greatest in sports history.

Nadal vs. Djokovic & Federer – A Record-Breaking Rivalry

Nadal faced Djokovic a record 60 times in the Open Era (2006–2024), with the Serbian edging out a 31-29 lead. The duo met 18 times in Grand Slams, with Nadal winning 11 of those encounters.

Against Federer, Nadal boasted a 24-16 head-to-head record from their 40 meetings between 2004 and 2019. The Spaniard also dominated their Grand Slam clashes, winning 10 out of 14.

Together, Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer are the only men to win 20 or more Grand Slam titles, with the trio standing at:

• Novak Djokovic – 24
• Rafael Nadal – 22
• Roger Federer – 20

Nadal on His Toughest Rival

Speaking at Mundo Deportivo’s Gran Gala, where he received the Trofeo Extraordinario, Nadal was asked which of his rivals posed the greatest challenge.

“I would say Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer; it’s difficult to choose,” Nadal admitted. “My career is linked to both of them. The three of us have pushed each other to be better.”

He acknowledged that their battles helped shape their legacies:

“It’s true that we’ve taken things from each other, but one of us, without the other two, wouldn’t have reached the numbers we have achieved.”

“We pushed ourselves to the limit in every sense. Physically, this harmed us quite a bit, but on a tennis and mental level, it took us to the next level of demand. That’s why we’ve had such long careers.”

Life After Retirement – Nadal’s New Chapter

Despite injuries plaguing the latter part of his career, Nadal shared some positive news about his post-retirement health.

“At the moment, I’m able to live with very little pain, and this is very important for me,” he revealed.

Simple tasks that were once challenging have become easier:

“Getting up and going down the stairs normally is a very important step in my life.”

Adjusting to life off the court, Nadal admitted that the struggles of his final years help him embrace retirement:

“The last few years of my career were difficult, and that helps me not miss it so much.”

“I retired only three months ago, not a year ago, so I can’t say it with total clarity, but at the moment, I’m fine.”