Bjorn Borg picks who is the best between Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

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Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer are widely considered to be the three greatest men’s tennis players of all time.

The trio, better known as the ‘big three’, won a combined 66 Grand Slams between 2003 and 2023.

They also held the ATP world number one ranking for over 200 weeks each, dominating tennis for a generation.

There is, however, a debate over which of Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer was the better player.

Weighing in on the debate, tennis legend Bjorn Borg made his pick.

Bjorn Borg says Novak Djokovic is the greatest of all time

During an interview with ‘Marca‘, Borg ranked the ‘big three’ from best to worst.

“First [Novak] Djokovic, then [Rafael] Nadal and [Roger] Federer, tied,” he said.

The numbers certainly back up Borg’s claim, as Djokovic won more Grand Slams than his two biggest rivals.

Comparing Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer

It’s generally accepted that Borg would have been involved in the G.O.A.T. debate had he not retired from tennis at 26.

The Swede won 11 Grand Slams before turning 26, and looked well on course to reach 20 before calling it quits.

Comparing Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer to Bjorn Borg

Borg was particularly impressive on clay, winning six titles at Roland Garros.

His legacy in Paris seemed untouchable until Nadal turned up and won a record 14 titles.

Asked whether he would have beaten Nadal on clay, Borg said this.

“If I play my best tennis and he does too, Nadal wins,” he said.

“Because we’re talking about a different game.

“Tennis wasn’t the same in my generation as it was in the era of Rafa, Federer, and Djokovic. What Nadal did at Roland Garros is unique and will never be seen again in sports.

“It’s the greatest thing that’s ever been done.”

Borg said the same when asked if he’d beat Federer at Wimbledon.

“It’s the same answer. Roger would hit the ball harder,” he said.

The truth is, we will never know how Borg would have performed against the big three, although it’s certainly an interesting debate.

Does Bjorn Borg regret retiring from tennis so young?

Borg shocked everyone when he retired as young as he did, but does he regret his decision, 42 years on?

“I wasn’t even 26, but I’d lost my motivation,” he said.

“It’s not that I regret it because I needed to be mentally perfect to continue, and I wasn’t.

“What I regret is quitting tennis. It was a stupid decision because I had so many friends.

“I often asked myself why I did it. I chose another life instead of keeping the one I had, and that’s what I regret.”

Borg did try returning to tennis, but it was too late, as his best years had passed him by.

Making his ATP Tour comeback in 1991, Borg played 12 matches using his classic wooden racket.

Unfortunately for the Swede, he was unable to win a single match, and he retired for a second time after losing to Alexander Volkov at the 1993 Kremlin Cup.