Former opponent Steve Johnson has boldly claimed that Novak Djokovic is the ‘easiest’ of tennis’ Big Three to play against. Despite Djokovic being the most decorated player with 24 Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal, Johnson found Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer more challenging.
Johnson, who played five matches against Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer without winning a set, preferred facing Djokovic because he allows opponents to engage in rallies. In contrast, he described Nadal as a player who “bullies” opponents and Federer as someone who “suffocates” them.
On the Nothing Major podcast, Johnson stated, “Roger suffocates you, he takes the complete game out of your hands. Rafa can completely bully you around the court. Novak is the easiest to play of the three because he lets you play tennis and get into rallies.”
Djokovic recently added Olympic gold to his trophy haul, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the final, and declared it the greatest achievement of his career.
Djokovic reflected on the rarity and significance of winning an Olympic gold medal, stating, “The Olympic Games occur every four years, so the chance to win gold for your country is quite rare. At 37, I’m aware that I might not have many more opportunities.”
He continued, “The emotions I experienced when I won exceeded anything I had imagined or hoped for. I thought carrying the flag at the London opening ceremony was the pinnacle, but the moment of standing on the court with the Serbian flag, hearing the national anthem, and wearing the gold medal surpassed that. It stands out as my greatest sporting achievement.”
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