Rafael Nadal has finally retired after dominating the tennis court for two decades. Last month, he played the final match of his career in the Davis Cup. The 22-time Grand Slam winner will be regarded as one of the GOATs of tennis, alongside two of his iconic rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic – together forming the elite list of ‘Big 3’. Nadal’s encounters with these two have always garnered massive attention due to the sheer intensity and highest level of tennis played among them. However, former WTA legend Martina Navratilova believes that Djoker proved to be a tougher opponent for the King of Clay than the Swiss Maestro!

In an episode of the Tennis Channel Live Podcast, dated December 3, one of the hosts and former ATP Pro Paul Annacone asked Martina to share her views on the major difference between Nadal’s rivals Federer and Novak. And who was more difficult to tackle for Nadal – Roger or Novak?

In her response, the former World No.1 said that according to her, Nadal perhaps found Federer to be an easier rival. But why? It was because of Nadal’s backhand stroke. Expanding on to it, Navratilova said “finding that backhand was a little bit easier for” Rafael “with his, again, cross-court forehand or running around, still can go down the line, and then he can run to the open court. It’s a forehand still. So it was really much more difficult for people to find his (Nadal’s) backhand. And with the one hand, it’s easier for you to find the opening. You saw that with Roger having to slice backhand. Next one is further over, further over, and finally, he leaves the whole court open.”

The former WTA legend further added, “But with Novak, he can take the ball early and defend with the two-hander. So that’s why Rafael, I think, had a harder time playing Novak, because of the two hands. It’s just much more difficult to attack the two-hander. So then you have to go to the forehand, and it changes the whole geometry of the point.”

While Novak may have given a hard time to Nadal on the court, he respects him as his formidable rival. It became evident from his tribute to the Spaniard after he announced his retirement back in October, ahead of his last match in the Davis Cup.

When Novak Djokovic revealed how Rafael Nadal inspired him to become better

In an Instagram post, dated October 10, the Serbian wrote a heartfelt message for Rafael Nadal. While praising him, Djokovic mentioned how Nadal motivated him to get better at tennis, simply with his sheer intensity on the court. “Rafa, one post is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport,” Djokovic wrote.

Continuing further, he added, “Thank you for pushing me to the very limit so many times in our rivalry that has impacted me the most as a player.” Moreover, Djokovic also revealed how Rafa’s amazing career has inspired fans across the globe. “You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis and I think that’s probably the greatest achievement anyone can wish for. Your tenacity, dedication, and fighting spirit is going to be taught for decades. Your legacy will live forever. Only you know what you had to endure to become icon of tennis and sport in general,” read the message.

While Nadal won’t appear on the tennis court anymore, his immortal legacy will always make its presence felt. His illustrious career is surely going to inspire all the budding players who want to become the best in the sport, just like him. What’s your favorite moment from the King of Clay’s career? Let us know in the comments below.