'Roger Federer, Nadal and Djokovic gave me a lot', says former Argentine player

In his career, Carlos Berlocq won two ATP titles, the first in Bastad in 2013, in the final against Fernando Verdasco, and the second in the following year at Estoril, surpassing in the final act nothing less than Thomas Berdych, then No. 6 in the world. To these two trophies in the major circuit, 19 must be added in the challenger circuit. It is currently the fourth ever for number of titles in this category behind Lu, Sela and Lorenzi. The first Challenger conquered him in Manta way back in 2004 and the last in Montevideo last year. Of course, all these tournaments were won on clay, the surface where he trained tennis and where his qualities as an indomitable fighter and his topspin shots could be enhanced. He reached his best ranking of 37 in the world in 2012, the year of his first ATP final in Vina del Mar. In an interview with ESPN Tenis, Carlos Berlocq talked about his matches vs the Big 3, and how Novak Djokovic made a terrific gesture after one of them.

Berlocq on the Big 3

"It doesn't happen all the time (the shirt exchange), though it was a nice idea after our match," the former World No. 37 said. "I wanted to change the shirt with Novak Djokovic, and it was very important. I wanted to change so I go ask him for the shirt" - Carlos Berlocq explained. After speaking about the shirt exchange, Berlocq talked about some of his other matches with the Big 3 - all of which he lost comprehensively. "Facing Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal gave me so much teaching. I say to enjoy it, even if you lose. It is not so big you can't enjoy. All public is there to watch you, as you play them. In the end, it was really a game, and gave me a lot." The Argentine also enjoyed some success in the doubles as he won two ATP titles and reached a doubles career-high ranking of No. 50. Berlocq never made it past the second round at a Grand Slam but was a member of the Argentine team that won the 2016 Davis Cup title. The Big Three are the top three players of all-time in terms of Grand Slam titles won, as well as the top three players in terms of Major finals reached. Federer has reached 31 finals, Nadal 27, and Djokovic 26. They are the only three male players in history to win eight or more singles titles at the same Grand Slam.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2EsUrrS