Rafael Nadal has revealed that he sees Roger Federer as his ‘biggest rival’ ahead of Novak Djokovic, despite playing more matches against the latter.

Nadal is gearing up for his retirement at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month, having just competed at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Since announcing his upcoming retirement to the world, many have been reflecting on Nadal’s career including the man himself.

And when speaking to Spanish media outlet AS, Nadal spoke about his rivalries with both Djokovic and Federer, “I’ve played Djokovic more than anyone else, but for me, my biggest rival was Federer.”

The Spaniard continued, “When I came onto the circuit, Federer was already there, and he was the first. In the prime years of my career, it was Roger and Novak. But in those early years, which are so impactful, it was always Roger.

“I think, and I don’t know why, that my rivalries with both of them were more intense than the one they had with each other. I’m not sure why, but I feel like the world sees it that way too. Maybe with Roger, it was because our styles and approaches to the sport were so contrasting.”

Despite describing Federer as his biggest rival, Nadal was still full of praise for Djokovic, who he labelled ‘the best’.

“With Novak, it was an incredible challenge. He’s a player who has managed to maintain a very high level and improve every year,” explained Nadal. “The numbers show he’s the best, which means his tennis has also been the best.

“And he’s been the most injury-free, which allowed him to maintain his physical, mental, and tennis levels longer than anyone. That’s why he’s the best, and he’s earned it.“

Federer retired at the Laver Cup back in 2022, and Nadal will join him next month when he says farewell at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, where Djokovic is also expected to be in attendance.

Inside the baseline…

It is interesting that Rafael Nadal has described Roger Federer as his biggest rival, as Novak Djokovic has always said that the Spaniard is his. That being said, it makes sense that Nadal sees Federer this way given he focussed on the early stages of his career, where they played seven Grand Slam finals in the space of three years. Regardless of who sees who as their biggest rival, the respect that all of ‘the big three’ have for one another is great to see and it is sad to see this great era of sport reaching its end.

Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer

With Nadal speaking about his rivalries with both Djokovic and Federer, we have looked back at the head-to-head’s, Grand Slam finals and most recent meetings:

Nadal vs Djokovic

Overall Head-to-head: 29-31

Head-to-head in Grand Slam finals: 5-4

Most recent official meeting: Djokovic beat Nadal, 6-1 6-4 (Paris Olympics R32, 2024)

Nadal vs Federer

Overall Head-to-head: 24-16

Head-to-head in Grand Slam finals: 6-3

Most recent official meeting: Federer beat Nadal, 7-6(3) 1-6 6-3 6-4 (Wimbledon Semi-final, 2019)