17 January 2024 , 07:00
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Roger Federer revealed how he earnestly watched the careers of greatest rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic even while he was not playing in some eye-opening text messages to Tim Henman.
The Swiss superstar retired back in September 2022 after winning 20 Grand Slam men's singles titles and spending a record 237 consecutive weeks at the top of the ATP rankings. Nearly as legendary as his storied career, however, was his three-way domination of the men's singles game alongside Nadal and Djokovic.
Their incredible competition on the court saw them dubbed the 'Big Three', with each component in this gilded trio having won 20 or more majors. Naturally, this rivalry has meant that the individual relationships within this successful triumvirate have long been the subject of intrigue within the tennis community.
One rare piece of insight into how Federer viewed his two most formidable peers during their near-two decade run at the top came courtesy of an unlikely source, however. Back in early 2022, former British No. 1 star Henman detailed how the superstar had been watching on intently to see how Nadal and Djokovic would perform at the Australian Open that year.
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In that instance, Federer was unable to compete at the Melbourne tournament two years ago as he recovered from knee surgery, while Djokovic also missed the contest. But it appears that his enthusiasm was not dampened and former Wimbeldon semi-finalist Henman claimed that the injured ace was keeping a keen eye on proceedings.
"He's always been a massive tennis fan – that's why he got involved in the game, he loves tennis. I've texted him a few times so I know he's definitely aware of what's been going on," the Brit revealed during a piece of commentary on Eurosport during the tournament Down Under.
Duly, Federer later spoke of his admiration for his two greatest rivals across his glittering career, as he looked back on their years competing against each other for Grand Slams. In a diplomatic address, he gave a very philosophical answer as he gave his opinion on fans regularly comparing him with Nadal and Djokovic.
Rafael Nadal eventually beat Daniil Medvedev to become the 2022 Australian Open champion (AFP via Getty Images)Back in 2022, he later told the Associated Press: "People always like to compare. I see it every day with my twins. Without wanting, you compare them. You shouldn’t — eve. Naturally, we do the same in tennis... I am my own career, my own player, that needed those challenges. They needed a challenger like myself.
"We made each other better, he opined as he gave credence to the theory that their rivalry simply spurred each player on to achieve even more success. "So at the end of the day, we’ll all shake hands and be like, 'That was awesome'. Now is somebody going to be happier than the other? I mean, in moments, maybe."
The Swiss hero might have enjoyed watching the tournament unfold in Melbourne in his absence but it is clear that he was relieved to be able to sit out of some aspects of the tournament. Although he acknowledged his love of the Open, Federer did go on to reveal that there are some features of the contest that he would happily give a miss.
Speaking to the The Project, the retired legend added: "I think the thing is here at the Australian Open, and look, I call it the happiest land. It's a great, great event. The only hard part here is, is that there is 300 players and 300 coaches and guests and more and this and that."