Why the Big Three Are Always Grand Slam Threats
The Big Three, consisting of all-time greats Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic are unquestionably the most dominant players in Grand Slam tournaments of the century. Having amassed a total of 63 combined Grand Slam singles titles at the time of this being written (Federer has 20, Djokovic 21, and Nadal leads with 22), it would not be unfair to say that there are elements to Grand Slam tournaments that highlight these players’ strengths over their contemporaries. Here are the things I think have separated the Big Three from the rest of the pack in Grand Slams:
Experience
Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic are some of the oldest top players on the ATP tour, and have been playing professionally since they were teenagers. These players understand how a Grand Slam match works more than any player on the tour; they have played more best of five matches than any of the younger top players. They have done the dance 20 times or more – they know all of the steps, and they know how to control and dictate Grand Slam matches, maintain leads, and stop any bleeding. The Big Three are completely aware, more than anyone else, of the challenges that long matches in higher quantities present, which leads me to my next point.
Stamina
The Big Three have been in peak physical condition for decades now; their stamina and their ability to play out and, more importantly, win long matches is uncontested. They will never give up until the match is over, as if the thought never crossed their minds throughout playing. As evidenced by Nadal’s runs at Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 2022, the Big Three are willing to push themselves past their physical limits for the sake of winning a match. The stamina they possess allows them to wear an opponent down, or to approach problems with a myriad of different ideas without tiring themselves out. This stamina is less important in smaller tournaments. An opponent can blitz and peak their way through a best of three match in straight sets, but in best of five matches, even from two sets down, betting against any of these legends is a risky decision. Grand Slams also have more matches (seven) than an average tournament throughout the two weeks they take place. The Big Three excel at being sharp while the opposing finalist is weary after six straight best of five matches (see: Ruud at Roland Garros 2022, Thiem in 2020’s Australian Open).
Mental Toughness
These three players are the greatest mental fighters in tennis history. As mentioned earlier, they refuse to accept defeat until they have heard “game, set, match.” This is the greatest weapon in all of their arsenals. When they are two sets down, or when it seems like they are about to lose a final, it does not matter because the chances are they will rise to the occasion. Similar to Serena Williams, they raise their level when it counts. Unlike many younger players, they don’t throw tantrums or melt down; Federer will look down at the ground to process what happened, Nadal will fidget with his clothes. But after these rituals happen, the most important thing is that they will re-center themselves, move on, and play the next point as hard as they played the last. Every Grand Slam endeavor is a complete effort for them. Despite differences in playing styles, rituals, demeanors, reception, and accomplishments, these players are all the greatest to have ever played. This kind of mentality is what earns them that title.