The Big 3 debate—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, or Novak Djokovic—never seems to lose its spark, does it? Fans from every corner of the world passionately defend their favorites, sparking endless debates over who truly reigns supreme. But just when you thought you’d heard it all, there’s a surprising twist. One of Djokovic’s most vocal supporters, Pavvy G, has thrown in their two cents—and it’s not what you’d expect. In a candid revelation, Pavvy G admitted that Federer and Nadal might actually edge Djokovic in one surprising department: popularity.

On November 28th, Pavvy G engaged in an interaction with Stephen Boughton and JP Hovey for The Slice Tennis podcast and deliberated on a wide range of factors, including Djokovic’s career and his latest on-court endeavors. However, when the discussion shifted to the popularity aspect, he seemed to admit that Nole trails between Federer and Nadal. Explaining the same, the major reason he highlighted was the brand deal.

Speaking in the interview, Pavvy G said, “I would probably say they are (more popular) and I think a lot of that is to do with the media influence.” Elaborating further, he added, “Both of Federer and Nadal for the majority of their career were under Nike and Nike are very, very close links with IMG and they have very close links with the Media, the Tennis Channel…that are also sponsored by the Nike.”  

For the unversed, Djokovic’s major sponsorship comes from his deal with Lacoste. In March 2016, the company opened a new flagship store on Fashion Street in Budapest. In 2017, tennis player Novak Djokovic was named brand ambassador and “the new crocodile” (next to Rene Lacoste) for Lacoste.

The Swiss Maestro partnered with Nike in 1995, when he was just 13 years old. He enjoyed a 23-year-long partnership with the company until 2018 before eventually moving on with the Japanese clothing chain Uniqlo for a 10-year $300 Million deal. Rafa, on the other hand, joined the now-$117 Billion brand in 1998, when he was just 13. In 2008, Rafa signed another 10-year extension with the company for $10 million per year, which was further extended for 5 years in 2018. In 2013, Nike unveiled Nadal’s signature Raging Bull logo, solidifying his status as a top Nike endorser. However, the company did not partner with Nole.

Explaining the same in 2023 in an interview with Talking Tennis, the company’s former director Mike Nakajima revealed, “It is a decision that we made consciously that Roger and Rafa are the two guys that we say to go after and nothing more than that. You know, like I said, he (Djokovic) has had an amazing career and you’ll continue to have that. But we just felt that, you know, those are the two guys that we want to stand behind and those are the guys that we’ve started to continue to renew their contracts.”

And Pavvy G believes that this was a major reason behind the popularity that Rafa and Federer enjoyed more than the Serb. This admission is quite interesting from a fan like Pavvy who has always spoken in support of the Serb. In fact, in his pinned post on X, he ensured singing praises for the tennis legend and wrote, “@DjokerNole is more than just my fave player.. he’s my role model and inspiration.”

But interestingly, when the tennis community is yet again witnessing a Big 3 debate, Federer and Nadal have previously appeared to be passing on the baton of the most remarkable player to Novak Djokovic.

When Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal seemingly let Novak Djokovic the GOAT Crown 

The tennis world has found itself abuzz over the Big 3 debate time and again. However, the players themselves have shown mutual respect, often acknowledging each other, as the GOAT. In a discussion with Louis Vuitton in May this year, Nadal and Federer highlighted how they wished to be remembered and seemingly passed on the GOAT baton to Djokovic. 

Nadal wished to be remembered for his character rather than just his tennis prowess, and desired to leave a positive impact after his retirement. “At the end, what really will make me feel really proud and happy is when I leave this world, if the tournament directors, the people who work on the tournaments, staff, ATP, say good things about who I was on the tour or who I am as a person more than as a tennis player,” he shared.

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Federer too expressed similar sentiments. “I hope if I’m remembered not only as a tennis player but also as the person behind, what I gave to the game and what I represented to the game,” the Swiss Maestro said. 

And while the discussion on popularity has reignited, the players themselves seemed to have most past the debate. Whatever your take, one thing’s for sure—all three of them boost legendary career in their own rights.