After almost 25 years, Tommy Robredo recently announced his retirement from the ATP Tour. The Spaniard played the final match of his career at the ATP Barcelona Open, losing in the first round. Post the match, the former World No. 5 indulged in a conversation with the ATP in their segment named ‘ATP Legacy’.

In the interview, Robredo spoke on a long list of topics ranging from his career to his performance over the years, and the reason behind his retirement. However, during the highly entertaining talk, what took the highlight was Robredo’s explanation of how Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic impacted his career.

Tommy Robredo on BIG 3’s dominance

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic have been the dominant faces of the sport for the longest of the time. Starting from 2003, the three have dominated the men’s tour like no other players. Winning almost every tournament they participate in, the three have time and again proved why they are the front runners in the GOAT race.

Trending

Roger Federer Breaks Partnership With Billion Dollar Worth Italian Brand Days After Coco Gauff’s Stunning Commercial Appearance

April 12, 2024 07:23 PM EDT

Tennis News: Rafael Nadal Confirms Retirement ; Doping-Banned Mikael Ymer Announces Comeback; Stefanos Tsitsipas Dubbed as Hypocrite

April 15, 2024 06:22 PM EDT

Andy Roddick Hat Tips Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian with Ultimate Praise for Women’s Sports’ Skyrocketing Success

April 17, 2024 01:14 PM EDT

Bavarian International 2024: Taylor Fritz vs Jack Draper; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

April 19, 2024 03:23 AM EDT

Daughter Olympia’s Notorious Act Leaves Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian in Splits Despite Being Neglected in Family Sketch

April 18, 2024 12:45 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Tommy Robredo feels no different. Opening up on the aura maintained by the BIG 3, Robredo said, “In the last couple of years, it has been Federer, Nadal, Djokovic winning nearly all of the week.”

Robredo on playing against Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic

Robredo turned pro in 1998, the same year as Roger Federer. They had their first meeting 4 years later at the 2002 Sydney Open with Federer winning in straight sets. Seeing the head-to-head record, Federer leads the race 11-1.

Has Angelique Kerber Ever Won a Grand Slam?

A similar situation took place with Rafael Nadal. The two first met in the semifinals of the 2005 Bastad Open with Nadal outplaying the fellow Spaniard in straight sets. Over the years, the two played 7 times in their career, with Nadal winning each time.

Last but not least, Robredo and Novak Djokovic first met in the Round of 16 of the 2005 Paris Masters. Unlike the case with Federer and Nadal, Robredo beat Djokovic in straight sets. However, making a comeback, Djokovic today leads the head-to-head race 7-2 against Robredo.

Watch this story-The Greatest Comebacks in Tennis

Recalling his matches against the three, Robredo added, “It was very difficult to win tournaments or win matches. They have a level. We have another level. So, to play them, to beat them you have to play your best. They don’t have to be at their best level.”

Tommy Robredo announced his retirement just days before him turning 40. However, on the other hand, the BIG 3 continues to win Grand Slams and other tournaments on tour.