The famed Big 3 in men’s tennis – Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer — have consistently dominated ATP Tour rankings, and now they are tied on 20 career Grand Slam titles apiece, although the last year has certainly been one of contrasting fortunes for the greatest players in the game.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal spent most of 2021 nursing injuries, while Novak Djokovic looked set to win his fourth Grand Slam in a single season only for everything to unravel in the U.S. Open Final. Now the most famous trio in world tennis will be looking ahead to 2022 with renewed vigor, eager to get back into action with the aim of winning more titles.
“The worst is behind me, I’m looking forward to all that is coming up,” Federer suggested with enthusiasm, highlighted by tennis.com in September.
The last few years have been extremely tough on the 40-year-old, who underwent a third surgical procedure on his right knee shortly after competing at Wimbledon earlier this year. That operation and the subsequent recovery ended any chance of participation through the rest of the 2021 season.
His last tournament win was at the Swiss Indoors in Basel, an ATP Tour 500 event in October 2019, before suffering a series of knee injuries and unsuccessful treatments. Although missing out on so many high-profile tournaments must have been frustrating, “it’s not a problem mentally,” Federer assured. “When you come back from an injury, every day is a better day. An exciting time.”
Regarding the immediate future of Rafael Nadal, his uncle and former coach Toni Nadal believes his nephew is in similar spirits.
“He is excited to start 2022 at the top of his game; I’m confident that 2022 will be a good year for him,” was the positive outlook made by Toni Nadal in 3Iguales podcast and published by Marca. “We have learned to live with his problems and I think he will get over it again.”
Nadal has often been struck with inopportune injuries, and 2021 was no different. At the French Open in June, the 35-year-old Spaniard felt the pain of a recurring foot injury. Just weeks later and ahead of the U.S. Open, he announced he would end the season early and focus on recovery — although that appears to be going well.
“I’m confident that he has two or three good years left,” assured Toni Nadal, positive his nephew can return to peak form.
As for the fortunes of Djokovic, the Serbian superstar had the entire world tennis world under his command this summer. Yet another authoritative triumph at the Australian Open was followed by just the second French Open victory of his career, and then yet more success at the Wimbledon Championships. Winning those three tournaments pushed the 34-year-old to his 20th career Grand Slam title, equalling Federer and Nadal.
Nevertheless, when everything pointed to the record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title arriving at the US Open, upon reaching the final and seemingly in completely unbeatable form, Djokovic was resoundingly beaten in straight sets by Daniil Medvedev. The weight of so much expectation and pressure had finally taken its toll, and late in the match he was seen crying and burying his emotions in a towel.
“It’s a tough one considering everything that was on the line,” he admitted immediately after the US Open final, having missed out on the chance of winning all four Grand Slam titles in one calendar year.
Djokovic skipped Indian Wells earlier this fall, but he won the Paris Masters and is currently participating at the Nitto ATP Finals.
Provided they ready to compete in time for the 2022 Australian Open, Djokovic and Nadal are expected to head into the next year in good shape. Online bookmakers are already considering the competitive chances of Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer, while Arabian Betting has produced an extensive guide for the best tennis betting sites –accompanied by detailed reviews and information regarding all the latest promotions and offers.
Alongside full explanations about the most popular tennis markets, Arabian Betting experts also offer tips and advice. Ahead of major events, they have highlighted key factors to consider whenever wagering — such as head-to-head records, court surfaces, plus the importance of each tournament. These things will undoubtedly influence each of the Big 3 players throughout 2022, as they carefully choose when and where they will play during the coming year.
well know one won’t
I’ve read Fed is doubtful for AO. Time and aging are foes you can’t defeat.
Covid restrictions didn’t help either in the longevity game.
Fed’s definitely out of the AO and very doubtful for Wimbledon 2021. He’s rehabbing but progress back to full fitness is going to be very, very slow at best.
Fed is done winning slams.
I don’t think Nadal can win anything but the French, but he still has a strong chance there. Of course he’ll be competitive elsewhere if he can get his body right.
I’m honestly not sure if Djokovic is going to play the AO, but leaning slightly to ‘no’. The government here does not look like backing down, so it’s a huge call for him. He either relents and gets the shot, or misses the tournament at which he’s historically been the best & would be the favourite.
Whatever happens there, Wimbledon is looking excellent for him with Federer basically gone. Has a decent shot at the French too (will Thiem ever get back to where he was? I hope so) and of course the US which favours the young guys a bit more than the faster, early season AO.