Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, collectively known as the Big Three, have dominated tennis for over two decades. Not allowing many players to win tournaments, their names were the face of the sport. Unfortunately, everything is bound to end, as the era and their rivalries might soon come to an end.
After Federer’s retirement, it left only Rafa and Nole in the mix, but with the kind of physical state the Spaniard is in, even Djokovic admitted that their rivalry is probably coming to an end. In a recent interview with the Indian Wells press, Djokovic gave his views on Nadal’s surprise withdrawal from the Wells.
Extremely saddened by the sudden withdrawal, Djokovic revealed that it was sad for the tournament and him as well. Here is what he told the press:
Those moments will come for all of us. You know, when they actually come and you actually understand that that’s it, Roger finished his career, Rafa and I are probably not going to play much more. Novak Djokovic said
The 2024 Indian Wells was the tournament that had the perfect draw for both Djokovic and Nadal. The two greats of tennis were bound to face each other as the rounds progressed, but with Nadal’s withdrawal, the light just faded for the world to witness another great clash.
Novak Djokovic is upset that the era is coming to an end
In a recent emotional interview with the Indian Wells Press, Novak Djokovic made a few comments on Rafael Nadal’s unfortunate withdrawal from the Indian Wells. Due to not being completely ready for the tournament, the Spaniard withdrew, leaving the tournament and Djokovic with a feeling of emptiness.
With Federer retired, Rafa on his possible last tour of his career, and Andy Murray close to retirement, the Big Four era is almost coming to an end. While only Djokovic remains, the Serbian has admitted not knowing how long he can survive in the game, possibly hinting at retirement.
Reminiscing all the memories, and rivalries, Djokovic stated that they had some of the most intense rivalries, and, sadly, the era is coming to an end. Djokovic said via Indian Wells Press:
It’s a kind of one era to an end and it’s sad but at the same time, I think there’s so many wonderful moments, matches, and milestones that we can celebrate when it comes to each one of us, and us as a group. Novak Djokovic said
It was one chance for the world to witness another Djokovic-Nadal matchup, but alas it won’t be possible anymore. Nonetheless, the World No.1 has a task in hand to win a tournament after a rather disappointing semi-final exit at the Australian Open.
More must-reads: