Tim Henman: 'Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic set incredible..'

Thirteen years after finishing together inside the top-5, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are still in the mentioned group at the end of 2020! The 'Big 3' have shared 57 Major titles since Wimbledon 2003 and secured the year-end no. 1 honor in every season since 2004, expect 2016. Pushing each other to the limits, Roger, Rafa and Novak have forged great rivalries and left all the rivals behind them, defying injuries and the younger opponents to dominate the men's tennis like no one before them. Praising the three legends, Tim Henman said their records are incredible, hoping to see more of that in the GOAT race in the upcoming years. For the third straight season, Djokovic and Nadal are the world's top-ranked players. Novak secured the sixth year-end no. 1 honor - leaving Federer and Nadal on five - to join Pete Sampras at the top of the charts, winning four ATP titles and not losing a match before September.

The Serb claimed the title at the inaugural ATP Cup, gathering momentum ahead of the Australian Open, where he won the 17th Major title to reduce the gap to Roger and Rafa ahead of the remaining Majors of the season. Novak couldn't repeat that at the US Open, experiencing a default against Pablo Carreno Busta and wasting a massive opportunity to make the GOAT race even more enjoyable. Djokovic claimed the record-breaking 36th Masters 1000 title in Rome before reaching the Roland Garros final. The Spaniard claimed two trophies in 2020, losing the ATP throne to Novak after the Australian Open but saving the year in Paris following his 13th Roland Garros crown.

Tim Henman praised Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic.

Despite the conditions and only three matches in his legs since March, Rafa dominated the field like many times before, winning the title without losing a set and joining Roger Federer on 20 Major crowns following a victory over Djokovic. Nadal will finish the year inside the top-2 for the 12th time, setting eyes on the 21st Major in 2021. The Swiss maestro played only one tournament in 2020, reaching the Australian Open semi-final and maintaining a place in the top-5 thanks to his points earned in 2019. After two knee surgeries in February and May, Roger should be ready to challenge the top-ranked rivals again next season, eager to extend his career and fight for the notable titles.

"I think they are career-defining. When you look at this generation of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, some of the records they have set are incredible. I think it's a huge motivating factor for all of them, but especially Djokovic. He is grown-up as the underdog and has been battling against Federer and Nadal for such a long time, trying to match their records. The Major titles stand right at the top, and Novak is three away from catching Federer and Nadal. I wouldn't bet against him breaking that as well," Tim Henman said.

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