In the era of the Big Three there has been numerous debates surrounding which one is the greatest of all time. But is it fair to come to a conclusion before they all finish their careers?
The trio consists of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Who currently occupies three out of the top four spots on the ATP rankings. Between them, they have won 267 titles on the ATP Tour, including 56 at grand slam level. Since 2005, only one other player outside of the group has held the No.1 position. That was Andy Murray for 41 weeks between 2016 and 2017.
Undoubtedly, all three players are exceptional, but who deserved to be regarded as the greatest? Prior to the rise of Federer, Andy Roddick was the top ranked player in the world. A former US O0pen champion, Roddick played the Big Three 43 times on the tour throughout his career. His only winning record was against Djokovic at 5-4 before he retired.
Weighing in on the Greatest of All Time debate, the American refused to single out one particular player. Arguing that it is currently too early to come to a conclusion.
“I think it’s kinda of dumb. It is like handing out Oscars before you watch the ending of a movie. It doesn’t really make much sense.” Roddick told The Tennis Channel.
“If you say one person then the other two people will feel disrespected. It’s just too early.”
Roddick’s argument is perfectly valid. Looking specifically at the number, Federer could be considered the greatest in grand slams because he has a record 20 titles to his name. However, he is five years older than Nadal and six years older than Djokovic.
“I’m either guessing or acting like I’m a medical professional,” the 37-year-old added.
“I just think we’re lucky to still have Roger, Rafa and Novak still in the game. You run out of superlatives and adjectives to describe them.”
One of the first times Roddick first started to appreciate the legacy and dominance of the Big Three was during the 2012 Olympics. Held in London at Wimbledon, he took on Djokovic in the second round. Heading into the match he was high in confidence after winning the Atlanta Open. However, against Djokovic he could only win three games.
“I was like a child on the court. I was going to go out the court feeling like I’m playing well, but he (Djokovic) just beat me like a drum.” He recounted.
“That was one of the first times where I was thinking that this game was a little bit different to what I am used to. These guys are kind of from another planet. That one (match) hit home for me, the way he played was eye-opening.”
Whilst the debate will continue to go on, Roddick points out that one of the most impressive achievements of the Big Three is their consistency on the tour. Something other greats of the sport have struggled to achieve.
“When you look at Pete (Sampras) he would win a slam a year, two slams in a good year but he would still lose sometimes in the third or fourth round. These guys make the semis every time. It’s insane.” He concluded.
Roddick retired from tennis in 2012 after winning 32 titles on the ATP Tour and finished in the year-end top 10 for nine consecutive seasons (2002-2010). He is the last American man to win a grand slam title.
