Rafael Nadal has selected his toughest foe out of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic(Image: Getty Images)

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 2024 after 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’.

“I would say Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer,” Nadal confessed to Mundo Deportivo back in February when quizzed about his fiercest rivals. “It’s difficult to choose.

“My career is linked to both of them; the three of us have pushed each other to be better. That is why we have been able to have such a long career.”

Despite the predictable pick of Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, and Djokovic, with 24 Grand Slams under his belt, Nadal has gone a step further to single out which of the two he considers his ultimate adversary.

“Djokovic is the player I’ve faced the most, but for me, my greatest rival has been Federer,” Nadal confessed to AS, throwing his weight behind Federer.

Nadal admitted Federer was his greatest rival(Image: Getty Images)

“When I first hit the circuit, Federer was already there. During my peak years, it was both Roger and Novak. But in those formative early years, Roger was always present.

“With Roger, it’s clear – our contrasting styles and approach to the game made him my rival,” he elaborated. “With Novak, it’s been an incredible challenge.

“He’s a player who has consistently performed at a high level and improved year on year. The stats prove he’s the best, which means his tennis skills have been superior, and he’s also managed to stay injury-free the longest.”

Looking towards the future of men’s tennis, Nadal singled out two standout players, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, as the duo set to rule the roost, reports the Express.

Of the last five Grand Slams on offer on the ATP Tour, this pairing has taken home all of them, and Nadal believes that such dominance will long continue.

“They’re both a cut above the rest,” Nadal continued, referring to Alcaraz and Sinner. “I don’t see any other player who can consistently challenge them.

“Of course, there are many talented players out there. But in the long run, no one can truly compete with them, provided they remain injury-free and maintain this level of performance.”