In a candid and reflective interview, one of the greatest tennis players of all time shared his deep insights into the evolution of the sport, particularly focusing on his legendary rival, Rafael Nadal. The conversation, which revolved around his personal experiences playing against Nadal, not only shed light on the Spaniard’s remarkable growth over the years but also offered a glimpse into the mental and physical demands of competing at the highest level.

The interview began with a question about Nadal’s peak, a subject that any player who has faced him numerous times would have a unique perspective on. The player, who has battled Nadal on multiple occasions, especially at the French Open, reflected on the various phases of Nadal’s career. “I’ve played him so many times that I think he peaked more than a few times,” he remarked. Over the years, Nadal’s game has undergone subtle but significant improvements, especially in his backhand, which had once been considered a weaker aspect of his game. As Nadal’s career progressed, particularly after physical challenges that required him to adapt his style, his backhand evolved into one of his most formidable weapons.

He explained that, while Nadal’s forehand remained as potent as ever — arguably the most destructive in the history of tennis — it was his backhand that truly became a game-changer in their encounters. “He has improved his backhand as he got older,” the player noted. “He was probably conscious of the physical struggles he faced and had to be more aggressive on the court. His backhand became much more consistent, and it became a big weapon against me.” This shift in Nadal’s game added another layer of difficulty for his opponents, as he could now defend and counterattack with equal precision from both wings.

Interestingly, the player described how his own approach to competing with Nadal on clay — a surface where the Spaniard is practically unbeatable — was shaped by these ongoing changes in Nadal’s game. “We always tried to find his backhand and open up the forehand,” he explained, but as Nadal’s backhand became stronger, it became increasingly difficult to find weaknesses. “It became impossible to find a weak spot from the baseline,” he added, acknowledging the physical and mental toll of facing a player who had become so versatile and tough to break down.

Reflecting on their many matches at Roland Garros, the most iconic stage for their rivalry, the player highlighted several key encounters that defined their shared history. One match that stood out to him was a five-set thriller in the 2009 French Open semi-finals, which Nadal won in dramatic fashion. “I played probably the best match I ever played against him on clay here,” the player said, referring to a memorable victory he achieved against Nadal in 2015, although he ultimately lost in the final. These matches were not only defining moments of their rivalry but also personal milestones in his own career.

Throughout the interview, there was a sense of reverence and respect for Nadal, who had pushed him to new heights. He acknowledged the frustration of having to face Nadal so many times in the latter stages of the French Open, but also recognized that these encounters were crucial in shaping his own development as a player. “Matches against him on clay have frustrated me so much in my career, but they also made me a better player,” he reflected. “They made me understand what it takes to surpass him, to win at least once or twice on Roland Garros.” This, he noted, was the essence of their rivalry: pushing each other to constantly improve and raising the standards of the game.

When asked to compare his journey with that of Nadal and Roger Federer, the player humbly expressed how the three of them had defined an era in men’s tennis. “They have actually defined me as a player,” he said, acknowledging that their rivalries had played a huge role in his success. “All the success that I have, they’ve contributed to it in a way because of the rivalries and the countless hours of thinking and analyzing what it takes to win against them on the biggest stages.”

Despite his remarkable achievements, the player was quick to acknowledge the importance of Nadal and Federer in his career. “I’m grateful to be part of this group,” he said, referring to the three of them — alongside Andy Murray — as the central figures of the golden era of men’s tennis. His words reflected not only a sense of gratitude but also a deep understanding of the competitive nature of the sport. “Everyone has a unique journey that they should embrace,” he noted. “But of course, having the three of us together, it has reached the Golden Era of men’s tennis.”

The conversation then turned to a more direct question about who, between himself, Nadal, and Federer, is the greatest player on a neutral surface. The player, as expected, answered with humility and respect, recognizing that comparisons between such greats are subjective and complex. “It’s hard to say,” he said. “Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, and each of us has our own legacy. But we’ve all pushed each other to be the best we could be.”

What became clear from this interview was not only the intense competition that has defined the relationship between these three legends but also the camaraderie and respect that have emerged from their rivalry. Each has helped shape the other’s journey, and while the battles on the court have been fierce, the respect between them is palpable. As the player himself put it, “Rafa, Roger, and I have occupied each other’s minds for the last 15 years quite a lot.”

The legacy of these three players will undoubtedly be one of the defining chapters in the history of tennis. Their rivalry has captivated millions of fans around the world, and the achievements they have unlocked together — the record-breaking Grand Slam titles, the thrilling matches, and the evolution of the sport — have left an indelible mark on tennis. As each player continues to navigate their career, the question of who is the best will always remain a matter of debate, but it is clear that they have each contributed to the golden era of men’s tennis in a way that will forever be remembered.

In the end, while the rivalry between this trio of giants may be over — or nearing its end — their impact on the sport will continue to influence generations of tennis players to come. The lessons learned from these legendary encounters, the intense competition, and the respect they have shown each other will remain an integral part of the sport’s rich history.