Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have long been the titans of tennis, but ex-pro Diego Schwartzman reckons rising star Jannik Sinner is even more daunting to play against.

The Argentinian has faced off with Sinner four times, losing on each occasion, which might shed light on his view of the Italian’s intimidating presence on court. With Sinner having clinched titles at the Australian and US Open by the age of 23, and reaching the semi-finals at Wimbledon and Roland Garros, he’s fast-tracking towards tennis legend status.

On the Nothing Major Podcast, when quizzed about who he finds the most formidable opponent, Schwartzman crowned Sinner as the tour’s most intimidating player. Despite the almost divine reverence for Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, the Argentinian highlighted that Sinner, alongside his peer Carlos Alcaraz, is revolutionising the game with their sheer physical prowess.

“Let’s choose one of the new guys. I think Sinner,” Schwartzman said. “I played him a few times. He wasn’t even top 10 yet. I was saying ‘Come on… what is this guy? ‘ Sliding, power.. movement.. everything.

“It’s scary. It’s crazy because we played against Novak, Roger, Rafa. These guys are Gods, but Sinner and Alcaraz… what they do with their bodies is crazy.”

Despite his audacious assertion, the 32-year-old never had much more success against the iconic trio either, with just one victory in the 22 matches he’s played against Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. Schwartzman has faced Federer four times in his career and lost every time.

Schwartzman has lost to Jannik Sinner four times in his career ( Image:

(Image: Getty))

He’s battled Nadal eleven times but managed to defeat the Spanish icon once. The Argentinian also found it tough against Djokovic, with the Serbian winning all seven of their encounters.

American professional Taylor Fritz echoes Schwartman’s view on Sinner. But also throws Alcaraz into the conversation when discussing who he believes is the most challenging opponent.

“I did feel Jannik maybe can serve a bit better,” he said. “I was always being rushed and moved, and I definitely felt like I had less breathing room against Carlos. But I mean, both are insane players.”

Schwartzman was on the losing end of all of his encounters with Djokovic ( Image:

(Image: Getty))

Djokovic is now the last man standing of the legendary trio. Nadal retired in early October while Federer hung up his racket in 2022.

However, many players over the years have maintained that distinguishing between the three legends is a tough task. Slovakian tennis ace Martin Klizan opened up about the challenges of facing Nadal and Djokovic, admitting he never got to square off against Federer.

Speaking to Punto De Break, Klizan said: “With Rafa you know that he is always going to make the match hell for you. Nothing is free,” and added, “With Novak you know that you have to be very precise in your shots, if you don’t get it, he is going to destroy you.”

Schwartzman faced Federer on four occasions ( Image:

(Image: Getty))

Andy Murray, often seen as the fourth musketeer of tennis’ elite, weighed in on the debate, favouring Djokovic when pressed. He stated: “What all those guys have achieved is amazing. If you just go on Grand Slam titles, then you’d have to give that to Novak but for me, it’s just slightly more nuanced than that.”

Former Czech powerhouse Tomas Berdych threw his support behind Federer, asserting: “I think Roger will leave a bigger mark than Djokovic. I think he is a bigger icon than Nadal.”

Meanwhile, three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka offered his take, acknowledging the unique qualities of the trio but highlighting Djokovic’s ‘perfect’ aspect. Wawrinka said: “If we’re just talking about the game, for me Roger Federer it’s really talent, ease and touch. Rafael Nadal, it’s strength, power and Novak Djokovic is a bit of perfection.”

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