Competing against legends before they become legends is a rare experience, but a handful of players can say they faced Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer when they were just rising stars. Many recognized their immense talent early on, but not everyone was convinced that all three would go on to dominate tennis for nearly two decades.
In a recent revelation, a former ATP player admitted that, while facing Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer in their teenage years, he had doubts about one of them making it to the top. Looking back, his assessment was only partly right—because all three went on to become all-time greats. But at the time, one of them didn’t seem to have the qualities that would define his legendary career.
So, who was it? And what made him doubt their potential? Let’s break it down.
Facing the Big Three Before They Were Great
The trio of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic has rewritten tennis history, amassing a staggering 66 Grand Slam titles between them. But like every champion, they all started as young prospects, grinding their way through the early years of their careers.
Some of their early opponents saw greatness immediately. Others weren’t so sure—especially about one player in particular.
A former ATP pro who played all three as teenagers shared his insight on their early years:
“I faced them all when they were coming up. Nadal was already a beast, Federer was unbelievably talented, but I wasn’t convinced Djokovic had what it took to dominate the sport.”
This statement may seem shocking now, considering Djokovic holds the record for most Grand Slam titles and has arguably surpassed both Nadal and Federer in achievements. But at the time, there were genuine concerns about whether he could reach their level.
Why Djokovic Wasn’t Always Seen as a Future Legend
1. Physique and Stamina Issues
In his teenage years, Novak Djokovic was not the physical specimen he is today. While Federer had effortless movement and Nadal possessed brute force, Djokovic struggled with endurance and physical resilience.
- He frequently suffered from breathing difficulties, which raised doubts about his ability to handle long matches.
- He had multiple mid-match retirements early in his career, leading some to question his toughness.
- Opponents saw him as talented but fragile, which is why some weren’t convinced he would become a dominant force.
2. Mental Toughness Questions
Djokovic today is known for his incredible mental strength, but as a teenager, some thought he lacked the same mentality as Federer and Nadal.
- Federer had an aura of effortless confidence, even as a young player.
- Nadal’s fighting spirit was evident from the start—his intensity never wavered, even in practice.
- Djokovic, meanwhile, showed frustration more often and had moments where he lost focus or confidence in matches.
One of his early opponents recalled:
“I remember thinking he was good, but he didn’t have the same mental edge as Nadal. He got frustrated a lot, and I wondered if he had the mental game to win Slams.”
3. Playing Style Wasn’t as Defined
Unlike Nadal, who had his grinding baseline game, and Federer, who had natural attacking instincts, Djokovic’s style wasn’t fully developed as a teenager.
- His defensive skills were strong, but they weren’t as elite as they would later become.
- He wasn’t yet the return machine that would make him a nightmare for opponents.
- His serve was solid but not a major weapon.
This made some believe that while he had talent, he might not reach the very top.
How Djokovic Proved Everyone Wrong
Despite early doubts, Djokovic transformed himself into one of the greatest players ever. His rise was not just about talent—it was about evolution, adaptation, and relentless work ethic.
1. Physical Transformation
Djokovic worked extensively on his fitness, changing his diet, training methods, and endurance levels.
- He switched to a gluten-free diet, which he credits for improving his stamina and eliminating his breathing issues.
- He worked on flexibility and agility, becoming one of the best movers in tennis history.
- He improved his core strength and durability, allowing him to withstand grueling five-set battles.
2. Mental Resilience
The doubts about his mentality vanished as Djokovic became one of the most clutch players ever.
- He won countless matches from losing positions, proving he had a never-give-up attitude.
- His legendary 2019 Wimbledon final win over Federer showed his ability to stay calm under extreme pressure.
- He embraced the underdog role, feeding off the energy of both fans and critics to fuel his success.
3. The Complete Game
Djokovic fine-tuned every part of his game, turning his weaknesses into strengths.
- His return of serve became the best in tennis, neutralizing even the biggest servers.
- His defensive game became near-impenetrable, forcing opponents into mistakes.
- His serve improved dramatically, making him more aggressive and efficient in key moments.
By the time he won his first Grand Slam in 2008 (Australian Open), he had already erased many of the doubts. By 2011, when he went on a historic 43-match winning streak, there was no longer any question—Djokovic belonged at the very top.
How Federer and Nadal Were Seen as Teens
While some doubted Djokovic, Federer and Nadal were seen differently.
Federer: The Effortless Prodigy
- As a teenager, Federer’s talent was obvious, but his emotions were sometimes a weakness.
- He had flashes of genius, but early on, he struggled with consistency.
- His 2001 win over Pete Sampras at Wimbledon signaled that he was ready for greatness.
Nadal: The Warrior from Day One
- Unlike Djokovic, Nadal had no physical concerns—he was already an athletic machine.
- His mental toughness was unmatched.
- He beat Federer as a 17-year-old in 2004, showing he was ready to compete at the top.
From a young age, Nadal’s intensity, Federer’s grace, and Djokovic’s adaptability made them special. But early doubts about Djokovic’s stamina, mentality, and playing style made some believe he would fall short of his rivals.
Final Thoughts: The Player Who Beat the Odds
Looking back, the doubts about Novak Djokovic were understandable—but they turned out to be wrong.
- He overcame his physical limitations to become one of the fittest athletes in history.
- He hardened his mentality, becoming the most mentally dominant player of his era.
- He shaped his game into an all-around masterpiece, making him the toughest opponent for both Federer and Nadal.
The player who once seemed less likely to dominate than Federer or Nadal ended up surpassing them both in Grand Slam titles.
This story is a reminder that early career impressions don’t always tell the full story. Some champions are born, others are made—and Djokovic is the perfect example of a player who made himself into a legend.
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