UPDATE: Former Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis has made a stunning revelation, claiming that he always felt he could beat Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, but not Novak Djokovic. This statement comes as a significant insight into the fierce competition that has defined men’s tennis for over a decade.
From 2006 until 2022, the trio of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic dominated the sport, with only six other players claiming Grand Slam titles during that period. Baghdatis, who faced off against these tennis legends, shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Tennis 365.
Reflecting on his encounters with Djokovic, Baghdatis stated, “Whenever I played Novak, [the matches were] pretty close. But I think I once got a nice beating out of him at Indian Wells.” Baghdatis recalled a particularly challenging match where Djokovic defeated him decisively with scores of 6-1, 6-2 and 6-1, 6-3. He added, “I came off the court, and I felt the guy gave me a lesson. I never felt that way with another player.”
Baghdatis emphasized his contrasting feelings when playing against Federer and Nadal. “Even when I was younger, I always felt like, ‘Next time I can beat [Federer].’ But with Novak, it was… I didn’t have that feeling, especially after that match,” he explained.
During his career, Baghdatis secured victories against both Federer and Nadal, winning at the 2010 Indian Wells Open and the 2010 Cincinnati Open quarterfinals, respectively. However, his struggles against Djokovic are notable, as he never managed to win a match against the Serbian champion, holding a disappointing 0-8 record in their encounters.
The debate over who among the big three is the greatest continues to captivate tennis fans worldwide. Baghdatis’ comments add a new dimension to this ongoing discourse, as he highlights the unique challenges posed by Djokovic.
As tennis enthusiasts eagerly await the next season, this revelation from Baghdatis prompts fans to reflect on the extraordinary careers of these three legends. What will be the future of men’s tennis as new contenders emerge? Keep an eye on the upcoming tournaments, where the legacies of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic will continue to shape the sport.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as we bring you the latest insights from the world of tennis.
