Rafael Nadal visited the America Business Forum im Miami. The 22-time Major winner was honored with the key to the city of Florida, celebrating his sporting achievements and his impact beyond the court.
During the event, the Mallorcan inevitably looked back on the two men who defined his era and stood as his biggest rivals - Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Rafa offered a thoughtful reflection on their contrasting strengths and shared passion for tennis.
Nadal embraced 100 duels against his greatest rivals, with no one knowing them better than him. Rafa spoke of Roger's effortless artistry, describing the Swiss as a magical player whose natural inspiration and creativity brought beauty to the game.
In contrast, Novak's rise was powered by an unbreakable work ethic, an iron mental discipline and an insatiable hunger for victory. Having trailed behind his rivals for a couple of years, the Serb made an impressive rise in 2011, becoming the world's most dominant player.
For Nadal, both legends pushed him to his physical and emotional limits. The matches against Federer and Djokovic shaped his career and the history of modern tennis.
Between 2004 and 2023, they have accomplished incredible things, with Djokovic extending the Big 3 legacy and standing strong at 38! During two decades, they transformed men's tennis into a global spectacle of rivalry and mutual respect.
Roger, Rafa and Novak have won 66 Majors and nearly 300 ATP titles, collecting records that will take some beating and sharing pursuit of perfection.
Nadal words serve as a tribute and a reminder. Federer's artistry, Djokovic's endurance and his die-hard warrior spirit have built an era that may never be repeated, not even by Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
The Spaniard ended his career at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals following constant injuries and setbacks. This year in May, he gathered his greatest rivals in Paris, with Federer, Djokovic and Murray honoring the king of clay's remarkable career.
Their matches were incredible, producing unmatched drama and passion. Years later, their mutual respect stand strong and grows bigger.
"Roger and Novakare two different personalities, but ultimately, they share a great passion and love for the sport. They are major rivals who pushed me to my limits all these years.
Rogerwas a somewhat more magical player in terms of pure talent and inspiration, while Novakis someone who is a bit more hardworking with a work ethic and a winning mentality that are difficult to surpass," Rafael Nadal said.
