For over two decades, the “Big Three” of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic dominated men’s tennis, collecting an astonishing number of Grand Slam titles. Djokovic, still active, has reached an unprecedented 24 Major titles, Nadal retired with 22, and Federer concluded his career with 20. Dominic Thiem, one of the few players to secure a Grand Slam title during their reign, claimed the 2020 U.S. Open.
In an interview with the Argentine outlet Olé in 2024, following his retirement at the age of 30, Thiem was asked to name the greatest of all time. His answer was measured yet revealing.
“I have a great relationship with Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. I get along very well with all three and admire them equally,” Thiem explained. “It’s always a topic of discussion—who’s the best—and I don’t think that’s fair. I don’t like to say that”.
“It’s disrespectful to each of them. All three have achieved things no one else will ever reach,” Thiem added. “There’s no single GOAT; they all deserve it because they are unique. But if you must choose, Grand Slam titles should be the deciding factor”.
Dominic Thiem of Austria reacts at the net after winning his singles semi final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during day seven of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
“Other achievements are important, but they don’t compare. The GOAT is likely the player with the most Grand Slam titles, as those are the four most significant tournaments in tennis,” he concluded. Based on this reasoning, Thiem indirectly places Djokovic as the greatest due to his record-breaking tally of Majors.
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Thiem’s record against the Big Three
While younger than Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, Dominic Thiem faced all three multiple times during his career. Against Federer, Thiem held a surprising edge, winning five of their seven encounters. His most notable victories include the 2019 Indian Wells Masters final and the 2016 Stuttgart Open semifinal on grass.
Thiem battled Nadal 16 times, with the Spanish legend emerging victorious in 10 of those matches. Thiem’s most significant lost over Nadal came in the final of the 2018 Roland Garros.
Against Djokovic, Thiem played 12 matches, with the Serbian claiming seven wins, including the crucial 2020 Australian Open final. Thiem secured five victories against Djokovic, further cementing his reputation as a fierce competitor during his prime.
Dominic Thiem’s remarkable career
Thiem turned professional in 2011 and quickly garnered attention with his impressive performances on both clay and hard courts. His peak years came between 2017 and 2021, during which he secured 17 ATP titles. Highlights include his 2020 U.S. Open triumph, the 2019 Indian Wells Masters, and ATP 500 titles in Acapulco, Rio de Janeiro, Barcelona, Beijing, and Vienna.
In addition to his U.S. Open victory, Thiem reached three other Grand Slam finals: Roland Garros in 2018 and 2019 (losing to Nadal both times) and the 2020 Australian Open, where Djokovic edged him in a thriller. Thiem also achieved a career-high ATP ranking of World No. 3, cementing his legacy as one of the top players of his generation.
