World Top 10 Andrey Rublev names the greatest player between Djokovic, Nadal and Federer

Andrey Rublevv is one of the standout players from the generation that followed the dominance of the Big Three, which includes stars like Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. These players grew up watching the incredible achievements of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal before eventually competing against them on the tour when they were already legends. Rublev entered the age-old debate, naming his pick for the greatest tennis player of all time.

In 2020, Rublev spoke with the ATP’s official website and was effusive in his praise for Rafael Nadal. “Every player, even Roger or Novak, had moments in their careers where they were mentally a bit down or could get a little emotionally low during a match, and if something happened, they might lose or something like that. Rafa is the only player in history that no matter how he feels—good or bad—he always finds a way to win,” Rublev said.

“Even if you take other athletes in different sports, they can have bad days. But maybe because their team is good, they still win,” he continued. “In tennis, if you’re having a really bad day, it’s incredibly difficult to find a way to win and compete like it’s nothing. Rafa has done it his entire career. To me, he’s the greatest athlete—not just in tennis—the greatest athlete in history”.

“If he’s not winning, he’s losing in three sets after three hours unless it’s at a Grand Slam,” he added. “If it’s a Grand Slam, it’s five hours and against players who are really good. I don’t know how it’s possible to be so mentally strong throughout your career”.

Andrey Rublev of Russia shakes hands with Rafael Nadal of Spain after Nadal won their Men’s Singles Quarterfinal match of the 2017 US Open. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Rublev against the Big Three

Despite being part of the generation that followed the Big Three, Rublev has faced all three of tennis’ most decorated Grand Slam champions. He has played Roger Federer once, defeating the Swiss star in straight sets at the 2019 Cincinnati Masters 1000.

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Against Rafael Nadal, Rublev has played three matches, with the Spaniard winning twice—at the 2017 US Open and the 2020 ATP Finals. Rublev’s lone victory came at the 2021 Monte Carlo Masters. As for Novak Djokovic, the two have faced off six times, with the Serbian holding a commanding 5-1 lead in their head-to-head record.

The remarkable career of Andrey Rublev

Rublev turned professional in 2014, but his most significant performances on tour began around 2017. While he’s proven effective on all surfaces, his best results have come on hard courts. However, his two most prestigious titles—the 2023 Monte Carlo Masters and the 2024 Madrid Masters—were claimed on clay.

In total, Rublev has captured 17 ATP titles. He is also a Davis Cup champion and a Tokyo Olympic gold medalist in mixed doubles. At his career peak, Rublev reached the World No. 5 ranking in 2021.