Not Federer, Tony Nadal reveals Rafael Nadal's biggest rival on court

Former world No. 9 Andrea Petkovic shared a compelling anecdote from a conversation with Toni Nadal regarding two of tennis's greatest competitors, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. 

The retired tennis analyst, who concluded his career in 2022, highlighted a key insight from the legendary coach about why Djokovic stands out as Nadal’s fiercest rival.

In what is undeniably one of the most significant rivalries in sports history, Djokovic and Nadal faced each other an astounding 60 times—an Open Era record in men’s tennis—spanning 18 years from 2006 to 2024.

The Serbian concluded their rivalry with a 31-29 victory, triumphing in their last competitive match at the 2024 Paris Olympics in July. This legendary duo clashed repeatedly across all four Grand Slam tournaments, where Nadal maintained an edge with an 11-7 advantage in major competitions.

Rafa's admiration for Federer

“Djokovic is the player I have faced the most, but for me, my biggest rival has been Federer. Because, when I arrived on the circuit, it was Federer who was there and he was the first,” Rafa said in a recent interview.

“In the years when I was at my best in every sense of the word, it was Roger and Novak. But in the first years, which are the ones that leave a special mark on you, Roger was always there" Rafa added.

Tonu Nadal felt Djokovic was even a greater rival than Federer for Rafa

On the Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, Petkovic shared his valuable take from Toni Nadal regarding the distinct challenges that Djokovic presents for Nadal. Toni Nadal, who coached his nephew from a young age until 2017, played a crucial role in helping him secure 16 of his 22 Grand Slam titles.

“I loved the match-up between Novak and Rafa because Rafa respected Novak and knows he is the greatest player he has ever played,” the German said.

“He gave an example. He said the first few times Novak tried to take Rafa’s forehand on the rise with his backhand and mistimed it a few times and was late on it. Then in the third match, he had perfect timing every time. He said he had the best eyes in tennis.”