The “Big Three” of tennis – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic – have dominated the sport for over two decades, captivating fans with their incredible skill, fierce rivalries, and remarkable achievements. But if rising British star Jack Draper had to choose one of them to save his life, who would it be? While Draper acknowledges the greatness of all three, his heart leans towards one icon in particular.
Draper’s Pick: Heart vs. Head
In a “Sticker Book Challenge” video by Sky Sports, Jack Draper faced the daunting task of choosing his GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) from the “Big Three” plus Serena Williams. He admitted, “My heart is Rafa Nadal.” [11] While acknowledging Djokovic’s impressive record and claim to the title, Draper’s admiration for Nadal stems from his childhood. “When I was growing up every every kit. every new look was him he was just so iconic. obviously being a left-hander like myself”. [11]
Draper and the “Big Three”
Although Draper admires the “Big Three”, he is also part of the new generation looking to make their own mark on tennis. He recognizes the incredible achievements of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, acknowledging that “They’re going to go down as probably the best three or four players of all time. They’re just legends.” [7]
However, Draper also looks forward to the future of men’s tennis, with players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner leading the way. [7, 4] Some analysts have even suggested that Draper himself could be part of a new “Big Three,” alongside Alcaraz and Sinner. [4]
Draper’s Budding Career
Jack Draper is a rising star in the tennis world. As of March 2025, he is ranked No. 7 in the world, a career-high. [1, 4] In March 2025, Draper won the Indian Wells Masters, his first ATP Masters 1000 title. [1, 4, 8] He defeated Holger Rune in the final. [1, 4, 8] Along the way, he also beat Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton. [1, 4, 8] In June 2024, Draper became the British No. 1 for the first time. [1] He won his first ATP title at the Boss Open. [1]
Draper has already achieved milestones that Federer, Nadal and Murray never did. [10] This includes beating Alcaraz, Fritz and Rune en route to his first ATP Masters 1000 title triumph at Indian Wells. [10]
The “Big Three”: A Lasting Legacy
Regardless of Draper’s personal favorite, the “Big Three” have left an indelible mark on tennis. Their accomplishments are staggering:
- Roger Federer: Known for his elegant style and graceful athleticism, Federer holds 20 Grand Slam titles. [7, 13]
- Rafael Nadal: Renowned for his tenacity and powerful forehand, Nadal boasts 22 Grand Slam titles. [7, 13]
- Novak Djokovic: Celebrated for his mental strength and relentless defense, Djokovic leads with 25 Grand Slam titles. [7, 13]
Their influence extends beyond titles. They have elevated the sport’s popularity, inspired countless players, and set new standards of excellence. While new stars emerge, the legacy of the “Big Three” will endure for generations.
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