For years, tennis fans watched in awe as the ‘Big Three’— Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer— ruled the sport with an iron grip. They dominated the majors, amassing 66 titles from 81 Grand Slam tournaments between Federer’s 2003 Wimbledon triumph to Djokovic’s latest victory at the 2023 US Open.
The constant question looming over the sport has been when the reign of these titans would end. Has it arrived?
The 20-time major champion Federer retired in 2022, the same season Nadal won his 14th Roland Garros crown, his most recent Slam title. Though the 38-year-old Spaniard is still competing, he has been significantly hindered by injuries, having competed in just seven events — including just one major — this season.
