Toni Nadal explains why he thinks tennis fans respect Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer more than Novak Djokovic

Rafael Nadal will retire from tennis after this year’s Davis Cup finals in Malaga.

After 23 years on the ATP Tour, the 22-time Major champion will hang up his racket following the conclusion of the 2024 Davis Cup.

Nadal announced his retirement earlier this year, having struggled with several injuries in recent times.

The 38-year-old is hoping to bring home one last title at his final-ever tournament, as he looks to add to his four Davis Cup trophies.

Questions have been asked as to what role the Spaniard will play at the event, with some suggesting Nadal may not play singles, instead playing a larger role in the doubles.

Nadal played doubles with Carlos Alcaraz earlier this year at the Paris Olympics, who he will again be teaming up with in Malaga.

Ahead of his final ever tournament, Nadal’s uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal has revealed why Nadal is so highly respected.

Toni Nadal on why Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are more respected than Novak Djokovic

Speaking to Puntodebreak ahead of Nadal’s final tournament at this year’s Davis Cup, Toni Nadal explained the differences between Novak Djokovic and the other members of the ‘Big Three’.

“There are players whose sporting merits go beyond their specific sport like [Novak] Djokovic,” he said.

“Both have earned a higher level of respect.”

It had previously seemed as if Toni Nadal would miss the Davis Cup, due to prior commitments, but he has now said that he could potentially catch one last match.

“If they [Spain] make it to Sunday, I’ll be able to be there,” he said.

“I have work all week and it’s impossible for me to be there.”

How do Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic compare at the Davis Cup?

Widely considered to be the three greatest players in the history of tennis, Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer have all enjoyed success at the Davis Cup.

With busy schedules, the trio haven’t always focused on the event, but they certainly impressed when they did.

Whilst all three have won the title, Nadal’s four triumphs clearly show his superiority at the event.

In fact, his individual record at the tournament is perhaps even more impressive, boasting a 37-5 record at the Davis Cup.

A record that becomes all the more impressive when you discount the Spaniard’s early years, as he is currently riding a 32-match unbeaten run at the tournament, spanning 19 years.

In comparison, Djokovic’s record at the tournament is 46-16, whilst Federer’s is 52-18.

There are perhaps fair arguments that Nadal has had more support at the Davis Cup, with Spain producing more talent than Switzerland and Serbia, that could well have helped the 38-year-old over the years.

Whilst that may well be the case, it is impossible to deny that Nadal’s performances at the Davis Cup throughout his career are truly remarkable, and you wouldn’t put it past him to win it one more time before he calls it quits.

Nadal will begin his Davis Cup campaign with Spain against the Netherlands on Tuesday