'I’d never claim to be on their level': Andy Murray on accepting his place outside the Big-3

Andy Murray spoke about the differences between his career and those of the Big-3, admitting that it doesn't bother him that Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer are considered superior. The Brit was the only player who managed to disrupt the dominance of the three greatest tennis players in history over the past two decades.

Since Roger Federer first reached World No. 1 in early 2004, it took 12 years before someone outside Nadal and Djokovic claimed the top spot in the rankings. Murray broke their hold between 2016 and 2017, holding the World No. 1 position for 41 weeks.

Between 2004 and 2023, the Big-3 amassed a staggering 66 Grand Slam titles: Federer with 20, Nadal with 22, and Djokovic with 24 – the latter finishing as the all-time record holder. In that time, only a few players managed to win Grand Slam titles, with only Murray and Stan Wawrinka capturing more than one (three each).

In a recent interview with TNT Sports, Murray was asked whether the debate over the “Big-3 or Big-4” bothers him: “It’s not important,” he said. “It’s not something I lose any sleep over at night. I’m fully aware that what those guys achieved is far greater than anything I’ve done. I would never claim to be on the same level as them.”

Still, Murray's career includes 46 singles titles, including 3 Grand Slams, two Olympic gold medals (London 2012, Rio 2016), one ATP Finals title (2016), and 14 Masters 1000 crowns. He reached eight Grand Slam finals (three against Federer and five against Djokovic) and nine Masters 1000 finals, losing eight of those to Big-3 members.

The former World No. 1 – who retired at the end of 2024 – also reflected on how he now values his career: “It was special… and I didn’t do a good job of celebrating those good times and acknowledging the achievements and stuff,” he added. “I regret that. My perspective has changed hugely since I finished playing. I do look back and I feel proud about what I achieved. It feels like a really, really long time ago already.”