The Big Three: Solving the GOAT Matrix in Men’s Tennis (Last Part)

This is exactly what happened with the arrival of Nadal on the tennis stage. In Miami 2004, with all fans and past players booting for Federer, Nadal beat the Swiss in their first match. It was waved off as a bad day in the office for the world's No.1 player as it was followed by the match won by Federer in 4 sets again in Miami in 2005 but the semi-final loss in French Open had a significant fraction of the followers take note.

Then came the excuse that Nadal is a clay court specialist and clay is not Federer’s favorite surface. Was it really the right approach to defend our idols but fans did exactly that and by the time Nadal beating Federer became a regular feature, they resigned that the greatness mantle had to be shared among them. Soon, it became easy for all tennis followers to believe that both of them were destined for each other.

Then comes the much-needed villain that makes all love stories immortal. The winner of the 2008 Australian open was treated as just another flash in the pan performance. People liked his funny jokes, antics, and friendly nature. His interviews were also aired and was nicknamed Joker.

The Serb who undoubtedly is the gutsiest of all athletes ever to play any sport had actually turned down UK citizenship to represent the British. Obviously, even before becoming a champion, he had already rubbed many on the wrong side, and starting the 2011 season with a bang by dismantling the established routine of Federer and Nadal victories made things worse.

AFP/ CLIVE BRUNSKILL Rafael Nadal smiles and hugs the Australian Open trophy.

If Nadal wins another French or follows it up with more than one title, it will sure cement him as the Greatest of All Time. Whatever happens, Rafa already has the claim to be the Greatest of All Time clay court player and he can rest with that as a great career accomplished.

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The best thing about him is that he doesn’t seem to care, or at least doesn’t show that he cares much. He hardly has any pressure on his shoulders. As a human being and as a tennis player, he has already established himself to be the greatest personality to play the game, whose empathy and rational approach are commendable and an example to follow for generations to come. He has not only won matches, but he has also won friends, admirers, and millions of hearts.

However, there is one possibility that cannot be ruled out and that can turn the whole debate around on its head. If and I repeat If Roger Federer surprises himself and shocks the world by winning another Grand Slam at the age of 41, he would have stamped himself as the Greatest ever irrespective of the statistics that may follow.

Even Novak with most weeks as Number 1 or year-end number 1’s, Nadal with most Grand Slams, will not matter. Federer’s adverse head-to-head records with his rivals or any other record would not count if he can manage just one more major that could see Roger carve his legacy and beat both contenders to deserve being hailed as the Greatest of All Time. So let’s wait and see how 2022 unfolds.

(Manoj Bhat, founder of SpIns Interactional School Surabaya and tennis spectator, wrote this article. The views expressed in this article belong to the writer).