- Daniil Medvedev admits that he is a better player for playing against Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer
- He says competing against such legends built his tennis skills and he became a better player
- Maria Sharapova also greatly admires the three tennis legends
Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev admits that he is a better player for playing against Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
He says competing against such legends built his tennis skills and he became a better player.
Medvedev spoke about his admiration for the three tennis legends after losing the final match at Miami Open to Carlos Alcaraz.
He said that he failed to bring up his A-game in the match which he picked from Federer, Nadal and Djokovic.
“In general, you know, playing against guys like Novak, Rafa, unfortunately when I played Roger I was not yet at my best, it taught me that sometimes you can have matches where they beat you maybe easily, and the next one you have to do better. You have to be a better version of yourself,” he said at the BNP post-match conference.
Medvedev is one of several players who admire the ‘Great Three’ tennis players in recent history. Here they are.
ANDY MURRAY
Andy Murray. Photo/ Good Word News.
Andy Murray has a distinct description for each of the three players having played multiple times against them. Federer, according to Murray is the greatest tennis player of all time while Nadal is the fiercest tennis player in its history. Lastly, Murray describes Djokovic as the final competitor any tennis player would play against.
SERENA WILLIAMS
Serena Williams, one of the most respected and best WTA players in history also has something to say for each of the tennis legends. As for Nadal, she says he is one of the most impressive athletes she has encountered on and off the tennis court. For Federer, he remains the master on the court while Djokovic, for her, is that player who always finds a loophole to win a match.
MARIA SHARAPOVA
Maria Sharapova motherhood. Photo by YouTUbe
A decorated player she remains even in her retirement but she always admired her male peers on top of the charts in ATP Tour. She says Federer is a gentleman and an amazing player while Nadal is a true champion and an inspiration for her. On the other hand, Djokovic is a fierce competitor and a great champion.
DOMINIC THIEM
Each of the three tennis legends had a moment with Dominic Thiem in major Grand Slam tournaments. Thiem never hides his appreciation for them publicly. He has referred to Federer as the best player ever on grass, and Nadal as the greatest clay-court player of all time. He describes Djokovic as the greatest competitor in tennis.
STAN WAWRINKA
Again, the three tennis legends have faced Stan Wawrinka in Grand Slam finals, and he has at least one victory over each of them. All he recalls about them is their unwavering commitment and love for tennis which he believes is their guiding light in their years of playing actively.
Interestingly, Federer, Nadal and Djokovic also have great things to say about each other. What’s evident is that they respect each other and value the talent each of them brings.
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