Novak Djokovic's injury ends 19-year streak

The last French Open final not involving any of the three legends was in 2004 when Gaston Gaudio defeated fellow Argentine Guillermo Coria to win his first and only major. While Nadal withdrew from that event with an ankle injury, Federer lost in the third round to Gustavo Kuerten. Djokovic had just turned pro a year earlier and first played in a Grand Slam at the 2005 Australian Open.

After Nadal broke through in 2005 to capture his first Roland Garros title, The Big Three went on to win 18 of 19 French Open titles, only missing out in 2015 when Stan Wawrinka stunned Djokovic in the final. Of course, Nadal won 14 of those, Djokovic three and Federer won his only French Open in 2009.

Another 21-year streak in serious danger

Besides the 19-year French Open streak, another significant streak could end over the next few months.  

Since 2003, one of Federer, Nadal or Djokovic has captured at least one major every calendar year. The streak dates back to Federer's 2003 Wimbledon win until Djokovic's 2023 U.S. Open title. The year 2024 began with Jannik Sinner capturing the Aussie Open and will see a non-Big Three French Open winner. 

With "The Joker" and Nadal both sidelined with injuries, and Federer retired, there's the realistic possibility of none of The Big Three winning a major in 2024. 

The year 2002 marked the last time that happened. Thomas Johansson (Australian), Albert Costa (French), Lleyton Hewitt (Wimbledon) and Pete Sampras (U.S.) won the four majors that year.

Some have jokingly referred to the eras before and after 2002 as "Before Big Three" and "After Big Three," respectively. The year 2025 could officially usher in "After Big Three" times.