Italian Tennis Federation chief claims where Novak Djokovic is way behind Rafael Nadal

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Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are two of the most successful players in the history of men’s tennis.

The greatest of all time debate is one that will continue to rage on in regards to the ATP Tour’s finest player, but there are two names that stand head and shoulders above the rest.

Djokovic has won 24 Major titles, more than any other player, and continues to break new ground on a yearly basis.

Even in 2024, his first season without a Grand Slam title in seven, he achieved a lifelong dream as Djokovic won Olympic Gold at Roland Garros.

On the other hand, Nadal retired from tennis this year, but not before picking up 22 Grand Slam titles of his own, 14 of which came at the French Open, a record that most agree will remain untouched.

It’s tough to say which of the two was ‘better’, but one key figure in the world of tennis has picked an area where Nadal has a clear edge over his Serbian rival.

Italian Tennis Federation chief Angelo Binaghi says Rafael Nadal is more loved than Novak Djokovic

Speaking in an interview with La Nuova, Italian Tennis Federation chief Angelo Binaghi was full of praise for the now-retired Nadal.

“The best of all, by far, especially off the court,” he said.

“In 24 years I have crossed paths with him many times, between one tournament and another.

“[Rafael] Nadal is truly a special tennis player: a true gentleman, polite, beloved by the fans, someone who has given so much to tennis and has inspired generations of people to love him.”

Binaghi went on to explain why the Spaniard was is more beloved than his two greatest rivals.

“In my opinion even more than [Roger] Federer, who in person, in my experience, does not have the same kindness and sympathy as Nadal,” he said.

“The same goes for Djokovic: certainly the best tennis player in the world, but who in my opinion does not have the sporting and human depth of Nadal.”

Unsurprisingly Binaghi also spent time talking about Italian star Jannik Sinner, who finished 2024 as world number one.

The Italian Tennis Federation chief looked back on his first meeting with the 23-year-old, and what impressed him most about the youngster.

“We saw each other in the locker room during the Next Generation of the ATP Finals in 2019,” said Binaghi.

“He was the first Italian to win this competition, and so I went to congratulate him.

“He struck me for his education and simplicity, on the court you could already see his enormous value, from a technical point of view he was of a very high level.

“It was the period in which [Carlos] Alcaraz had exploded, and everyone was obsessed with the Spaniard.

“To those who said, maybe we could have someone like him in Italy, I replied: [Jannik] Sinner for life, give him time, and we’ll talk about it again.

“Sinner has something special.”

How does Jannik Sinner’s 2024 season compare to Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal’s best years?

Sinner had the best year of anyone on the ATP Tour in 2024, as he quickly established himself as the top star in the men’s game.

Currently ranked number one in the world, with a near 4000-point lead over second-ranked Alexander Zverev, there haven’t been many seasons better than what the Italian produced this year.

Nadal and Djokovic both had some pretty impressive years during their careers, however, so how do they compare?

Djokovic’s unbelievable 2015 campaign is fairly untouchable, but there’s not a whole lot between Sinner and Nadal.

You’d likely have to give the edge to the Spaniard thanks to the extra Major title, but Sinner’s win at the ATP Finals is a big result in its own right.

Sinner won the tournament without dropping a set, as he completed a flawless week in Turin.

He’ll be hoping to kickstart his 2025 campaign in the right way as he looks to defend his Australian Open title which he won in five sets earlier this year.

The 2025 Australian Open featuring Sinner and Djokovic is set to begin on January 12.