Tennis legend Boris Becker has expressed his surprise and confusion over Rafael Nadal’s exclusion in a recent debate comparing tennis greats to soccer icons.
Becker, known for his straightforward views on tennis, weighed in on the ongoing discussions surrounding Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, likening them to football’s biggest stars, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, it was Nadal’s absence from the conversation that left the six-time Grand Slam champion baffled.
In an interview where Becker discussed the similarities between Djokovic and Federer with Messi and Ronaldo, he noted that the exclusion of Nadal from such comparisons was perplexing. The German icon, who has spent time as a coach for Djokovic, firmly believes that Nadal deserves recognition on par with the two tennis legends and football’s most decorated names.
Becker has often been candid in his views about the “Big Three” of tennis: Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal. This time, however, his criticism lies in the narrative that tends to leave Nadal out of the spotlight. Nadal, with his 22 Grand Slam titles (as of 2023), is one of the most dominant forces in tennis history, particularly with his extraordinary record at Roland Garros, where he has claimed a staggering 14 titles.
For Becker, leaving Nadal out of a conversation comparing sporting greats to Messi and Ronaldo feels like a disservice. He acknowledged the rivalry between Djokovic and Federer, but also emphasized how Nadal’s tenacity and achievements, particularly in the era of these two rivals, have made him an integral part of tennis history.
“The debate often swings between Roger and Novak, especially now that Federer has retired, and Novak is continuing to break records,” Becker noted. “But to leave Rafa out of such conversations is baffling. He’s not just a tennis legend—he’s a global sports icon, and what he has achieved is just as remarkable as what Messi or Ronaldo have done in football.”
Becker’s comparison of Federer and Djokovic to Messi and Ronaldo stems from the unique dynamics of these rivalries in their respective sports. Both pairs of athletes have pushed each other to unparalleled heights, creating some of the most thrilling and enduring moments in modern sports history.
Federer, often seen as the more graceful and artistic player, has drawn comparisons to Messi, who similarly dazzles on the football pitch with his technical brilliance and creativity. On the other hand, Djokovic’s mental toughness, athleticism, and relentless pursuit of records often mirror Ronaldo’s driven and methodical approach to football.
These parallels resonate deeply with fans of both sports. Just as Messi and Ronaldo have divided opinions over who is the greatest footballer of all time, the Djokovic-Federer rivalry has sparked endless debates about who reigns supreme in tennis. Becker added that while Djokovic has surpassed Federer’s Grand Slam tally and continues to dominate, Federer’s legacy of elegance and sportsmanship remains unrivaled.
Despite the captivating Federer-Djokovic comparisons, Becker was quick to defend Nadal’s place in the sport. Nadal’s unique style of play—his powerful forehand, unmatched work ethic, and resilience—has made him one of the toughest opponents in tennis history. His fierce competitive nature, especially on clay courts, has won him legions of fans across the globe.
Becker emphasized that Nadal’s career is not simply defined by Grand Slam titles but by his unyielding spirit and love for the game. Much like Djokovic and Federer, Nadal has continuously evolved his game to stay at the top, and his impact on tennis is undeniable.
“He’s a fighter—always has been, always will be,” Becker stated. “Nadal’s longevity and his ability to come back from injuries, his sheer willpower—it’s something that Messi, Ronaldo, Federer, and Djokovic all have in common. They’re relentless in their pursuit of greatness.”
While Becker remains baffled by Nadal’s omission in some discussions, he is optimistic that history will remember the “Big Three” for their contributions to the sport. Together, Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer have rewritten tennis history and provided countless unforgettable moments for fans.
As Nadal works toward recovering from his injuries, with hopes of returning to competition in 2024, Becker is confident that his legacy remains firmly intact. Becker also believes that any discussion of sporting greatness—whether in tennis or football—should always include Nadal’s name alongside Djokovic and Federer, just as Messi and Ronaldo’s names are mentioned in football.
In the end, Boris Becker’s sentiments reflect a common view among tennis fans: Rafael Nadal’s omission from any conversation about the greatest athletes of our time is, indeed, baffling. Whether on the clay courts of Paris or the hard courts of Melbourne, Nadal has cemented his place as one of tennis’s greatest warriors—and no comparison would be complete without him.