Todd Woodbridge: 'Roger Federer has negative record vs. Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic'

The doubles legend Todd Woodbridge shared his thoughts about the GOAT race between Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. While praising the Swiss star, Woodbridge suggested that he has a negative record against the closest rivals. The Aussie mentioned Rafael Nadal's incredible 13 Roland Garros crowns, saying that takes a lot from Roger's quest towards the leading position in the GOAT standings. Thirteen years after finishing inside the top-5 for the first time, 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 when Andy Murray stole the thunder. Pushing each other to the limits, Roger, Rafa and Novak have forged outstanding rivalries and left all the rivals miles behind them, defying injuries and the younger opponents to dominate the men's tennis like no one before.

For the third consecutive year, 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 and gathered momentum ahead of the Australian Open, where he claimed the 17th Major title to reduce the gap to Roger and Rafa. 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 closer. Djokovic had another opportunity in Paris, reaching the Roland Garros final and facing Rafael Nadal in one of the matches of the century. 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.

Todd Woodbridge shared his thoughts about the Big 3.

Despite the conditions and only three matches in his legs since the end of February, Rafa dominated the field once again, winning the title without losing a set and joining Roger Federer on 20 Major crowns. Nadal has secured the 12th year-end top-2 honor, setting eyes on the 21st Major in 2021. Roger Federer 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 return next season, eager to extend his career and fight for the notable titles. His last Major title came in Melbourne 2018, and he squandered a massive opportunity to add another after wasting two match points against Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon 2019.

"Roger Federer is the greatest all-court player. I find it hard to suggest he is the greatest of all time when he doesn't have a winning record over Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Rafa spoiled Roger's numbers by winning the 13th Roland Garros title in dominant style. If Roger Federer could have won three of them and Rafa just ten - in that case, the Swiss would have been the greatest of all time," Todd Woodbridge said.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3amnTNW