Federer pays tribute to ‘giant of the game’ Nadal after emotional ceremony
Video credit: TNT Sports
A year on from his retirement from tennis, Rafael Nadal has reflected on his career as one of the sport’s greatest competitors.The Spaniard’s illustrious career came to an end at the 2024 Davis Cup, leaving the sport with 22 Grand Slam titles and a legacy that firmly cemented him as one of the best to ever play the game.A household name for even those who did not follow tennis, he was part of the most dominant trio to have ever graced the game in the form of the ‘Big Three’, alongside Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
But what tactics did Nadal employ to get the better of his great rivals?
“With Federer, the plan was clear,” Nadal told Spanish publication AS. “Especially at the beginning: pressure his backhand with high balls repeatedly until he stood still, waiting for the next shot, and then I could switch to his forehand.
“It was a mental effort for me, because I often saw the shot going the other way, but I knew that repeating it on the backhand would tire him mentally. I didn’t always feel like using that tactic, but it was the most feasible.”
‘Fedal’ moment as Federer and Nadal both left crying after Swiss star’s final match
Video credit: TNT Sports
Shortly before Djokovic joined them at tennis’ apex, Federer and Nadal formed a duopoly and ignited one of the most prolific rivalries in sporting history.
Generally good-natured and cordial in their interactions off the court, aside from the occasional barb, they produced magic on the court and have a combined 42 Grand Slam titles to their names.
Djokovic quickly infiltrated their stranglehold on the sport and, in time, overtook them in accolades.
The Serbian, who recently signalled his ambition to play through to the 2028 Olympic Games, has captured 24 Grand Slam titles in his career.
“With Novak, it was more unpredictable,” Nadal said about facing Djokovic. “On clay, it was a bit more unpredictable than on hard courts. On hard courts, in my later years, when my body couldn’t handle certain efforts any more, it was much harder.
“To have a chance, I needed my body to respond, and it wasn’t. I had to shorten points, and beating Novak in two or three shots was very difficult. I sometimes tried to be more aggressive with my serve, but it didn’t work.
“On clay, I did find solutions, and on grass, I also had chances, although I ended up losing those semi-finals [he lost to the Serb in five sets at Wimbledon in 2018]. I felt my chances were better on clay or grass than on hard courts, especially in my later years.”
Djokovic continues a storied career as the only remaining member of the ‘Big Three’ still competing at the top level.
Since the other two have departed the sport, the idea of an exhibition match between Federer and Nadal has consistently been floated, proof that the spectacle of their rivalry endures long after their playing careers.
Nadal’s former coach and uncle, Toni Nadal, has previously claimed that his nephew would be “excited” to face his long-time rival once again.
Nadal himself is open to the idea, but only under the right circumstances.
“I don’t think it will ever be the same again, nor do I expect it to be,” Nadal said.
“But in the future, who knows? If we enjoy it, if we manage to do something meaningful and something we’re passionate about… why not?
“There’s no closing the door on picking up a racquet again, but I’d have to prepare thoroughly.
“When you go out to play, you want to be ready, and right now I’m not. I’d need a reasonable amount of time.”
Watch and stream top tennis action, including the 2026 Australian Open, live on TNT Sports and discovery+