Who is the most inspirational member of the Big 3 on a personal level ?

Who is the most inspirational member of the Big 3 on a personal level ?

  • Total voters
    114
Razer

Razer

G.O.A.T.
It is strange but I feel when you look at the careers of the Big 3 then Nadal/Djokovic have been more inspirational than Federer.

Nothing against Federer, I still think he was the best of the 3 ability wise even if the numbers don't reflect it for whatever reasons (weak 90s gen inflation/age gap/whatever reason...we could look at it any way)...... but from a pure inspirational perspective, was Roger inspirational for anyone? The Tennis he played was magical, swift, it is not something which anyone can be taught. From a fighter perspective he was not a bigger fighter than Nadal/Djokovic, thats also a truth.... So how did he inspire anyone? He probably has the most fans even now, but how many of them were truly motivated in life by him?

I think Nadal and Djokovic have inspired more people than Federer to fight back/overcome adversity etc etc and between them my personal vote will go to Djokovic.

So who is the most inspirational member of the Big 3 in your view ?

Vote/Discuss
 
ojo rojo said:
Former pro players
bfm2wbx0ni931
All three are an inspiration to many in their own way. Personally, I have been inspired by all three equally in the field of abstract tennis memery and sh*poasting.

Honourable mention: MuryGOAT
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Epic photograph.
 
weakera said:
Inspiring people is not limited to the idea of facing and overcoming adversity. For example, the aesthetic beauty of Federer's game likely inspired many more people to play tennis than Djokovic's tennis has. And so, I think your premise is unfair to the Swiss.
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Aesthetics of Federer is orgasmic to watch but if you play like him then you won't win, so how inspirational is that ?

Not everything that mesmerizes you has to be inspirational.

Djokovic's style of play is what coaches today teach, so how inspirational was Federer? Sure he mesmerized us for decades, kept us in trance but did he truly inspire?

Sentinel said:
He inspired in several ways. For example, not to break and stretch rules, no gamesmanship, be clean and honest.

All three inspired in various ways if you look closely at their pluses.
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Ok so he was a model of good behavior... fair enough... he inspired you in that way.
 
it must be djoker
fed won the least slam but still is adored by many and even regarded as goat now

rafa knocked fed down several times but not hated my fed fans

djoker is the most successful oat but still not get the appreciation he deserves

many ppl would look on him to get the courage and spirit to fight against the world
 
Razer said:
Aesthetics of Federer is orgasmic to watch but if you play like him then you won't win, so how inspirational is that ?

Not everything that mesmerizes you has to be inspirational.

Djokovic's style of play is what coaches today teach, so how inspirational was Federer? Sure he mesmerized us for decades, kept us in trance but did he truly inspire?



Ok so he was a model of good behavior... fair enough... he inspired you in that way.
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You said "on a personal level" in the title.

Seems like you've already decided the correct answer and just wanted to tell us. Thanks, bro.
 
Razer said:
Aesthetics of Federer is orgasmic to watch but if you play like him then you won't win, so how inspirational is that ?

Not everything that mesmerizes you has to be inspirational.

Djokovic's style of play is what coaches today teach, so how inspirational was Federer? Sure he mesmerized us for decades, kept us in trance but did he truly inspire?



Ok so he was a model of good behavior... fair enough... he inspired you in that way.
Click to expand...

You're being obtuse. No one could seriously claim that they want to pick up a racket and play more after watching Djokovic than they would after watching Federer. No one can replicate Ken Griffey Jr's swing but that doesn't mean it didn't make every kid on the block want to try to imitate it in little league.
 
I could split hairs between Federer and Nadal, but I think Federer transcended tennis to a sports icon on a few different levels than Nadal. I think much of that has to do with being more fluent in English actually, but also being on the scene MUCH earlier. Nadal, of course, transcended tennis with his undeniable fighting spirit and epic clay record that is sports legend the likes of which had never been seen in tennis. Both influenced their generation, the lost generation, and even this current generation and are both mentioned as idols.

Between them, it is a tough call and I suppose the votes would be along fan lines. Outside of tennis, I just think Federer and his brand were more known for sure.
 
In the slams, Djokovic has never let slip a lead in sets against either Federer or Nadal, except a Nadal victory at WB where Djokovic had to withdraw in the 3rd set. The reverse was not true. Federer had a two-set lead at '11 US, and a set lead at '14 WB. Nadal had one-set leads at '12 AO & '21 RG.

Curiously enough, in their 2nd slam match Alcaraz overcame Djokovic's one-set lead at '23 WB. I believe Carlos was the one more clutch player than Novak, ever.
 
Razer said:
It is strange but I feel when you look at the careers of the Big 3 then Nadal/Djokovic have been more inspirational than Federer.

Nothing against Federer, I still think he was the best of the 3 ability wise even if the numbers don't reflect it for whatever reasons (weak 90s gen inflation/age gap/whatever reason...we could look at it any way)...... but from a pure inspirational perspective, was Roger inspirational for anyone? The Tennis he played was magical, swift, it is not something which anyone can be taught. From a fighter perspective he was not a bigger fighter than Nadal/Djokovic, thats also a truth.... So how did he inspire anyone? He probably has the most fans even now, but how many of them were truly motivated in life by him?

I think Nadal and Djokovic have inspired more people than Federer to fight back/overcome adversity etc etc and between them my personal vote will go to Djokovic.

So who is the most inspirational member of the Big 3 in your view ?

Vote/Discuss
Click to expand...
“To me” Federer is the most inspirational because he has other interests that don’t include living vicariously thru his tennis career. Along with being satisfied with his career when he retired. Federer achieved many things in his career without conducting himself in an obsessed way. Federer is an inspiration because he doesn’t go around desperately trying to remind people of his tennis career.
 
Fed. Let’s be honest. Isn’t it our goal to get by on the least amount of effort? The other two outworked Fed. Fed still did ok by winning 20 slam titles, 6 WTF titles, and 103 titles altogether. I will take that. But honestly, I don’t need all of that money he made. Fed still worked too hard

The most inspiration player ever was Marat Safin. The guy was spotted partying the night before the 2002 AO final. This dude had zero worries. He still made a ton of money; enough to last several lifetimes. Marat Safin is the blueprint for that work/life balance.
 
Pheasant said:
Fed. Let’s be honest. Isn’t it our goal to get by on the least amount of effort? The other two outworked Fed. Fed still did ok by winning 20 slam titles, 6 WTF titles, and 103 titles altogether. I will take that. But honestly, I don’t need all of that money he made. Fed still worked too hard

The most inspiration player ever was Marat Safin. The guy was spotted partying the night before the 2002 AO final. This dude had zero worries. He still made a ton of money; enough to last several lifetimes. Marat Safin is the blueprint for that work/life balance.
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Nah I like the fight. Fed made it look too easy for me. Nadal came in with the pirate thing and the panache and took him down.
 
I think it has to be Nadal or Djokovic more than Federer. I still remember Nadal's 2022 AO victory. Dude was down and out, had no business staying in that match but just stuck around. Stuck around long enough to find another gear or two while his opponent melted away as the match went on. Just shows that sometimes that most important thing in life is to simply hang around. You never know what might happen. Many times things will not turn your way but you only need one opportunity/chance to turn things around.
I know Djokovic has also done this many many times, especially his numerous 2 sets down victories.
 
Djokovic and Nadal's athleticism is more obvious, while Federer plays in a more natural looking way which looks more relatable.

So I think more people who don't know much about tennis would be inspired by Federer.
 
Pheasant said:
Fed. Let’s be honest. Isn’t it our goal to get by on the least amount of effort? The other two outworked Fed. Fed still did ok by winning 20 slam titles, 6 WTF titles, and 103 titles altogether. I will take that. But honestly, I don’t need all of that money he made. Fed still worked too hard

The most inspiration player ever was Marat Safin. The guy was spotted partying the night before the 2002 AO final. This dude had zero worries. He still made a ton of money; enough to last several lifetimes. Marat Safin is the blueprint for that work/life balance.
Click to expand...
The greatest in any profession of life are wired differently. It's not about the money or the fame for them (ok maybe a little), rather it's about being the most successful ever in their profession is what drives them. Very few people in the world have this drive. Theyll sacrifice anything to achieve it. Personal, family life, health, you name it. Normal humans, including myself, can never understand this drive, nor do I frankly want too. But it is what it is. All of the Big 3 had/have this drive. Idc if federer now claims that he's vv happy with his tennis career, I am sure he desperately wanted to have the slam record. Maybe his perspective has changed now and he's more content with his career (by God he should be) but during his playing days he wanted the slam record as much as the other 2
 
Another aspect of this is authenticity. I value that a lot when it comes to looking up to people.

Djokovic doesn't strike me as an authentic person at all. Here are two example reasons why:

- He tries too hard to be liked - his smiles and words come off as someone who's trying to say the right things rather than someone giving their honest thoughts.

- He contradicts himself in obvious ways. For example he keeps saying he loves the Wimbledon Centre Court so much, but then goes and smashes his racket into the net post, damaging it.
 
Razer said:
It is strange but I feel when you look at the careers of the Big 3 then Nadal/Djokovic have been more inspirational than Federer.

Nothing against Federer, I still think he was the best of the 3 ability wise even if the numbers don't reflect it for whatever reasons (weak 90s gen inflation/age gap/whatever reason...we could look at it any way)...... but from a pure inspirational perspective, was Roger inspirational for anyone? The Tennis he played was magical, swift, it is not something which anyone can be taught. From a fighter perspective he was not a bigger fighter than Nadal/Djokovic, thats also a truth.... So how did he inspire anyone? He probably has the most fans even now, but how many of them were truly motivated in life by him?

I think Nadal and Djokovic have inspired more people than Federer to fight back/overcome adversity etc etc and between them my personal vote will go to Djokovic.
Click to expand...
Well, see it this way: You say Nadal and Djokovic are great fighters (and undoubtedly that's true), but for me that was never needed as an inspiration. And why? Well, because I always fought like a maniac on the court anyway, so there was never any "inspiration" needed, no matter if it was during my first matches against friends with less than 10 years of age, or if it was any time later.

But Federer was an inspiration to play versatile and not being happy until being at least decent in any shot and strategy.
 
Nole has the most grit. He reinvented himself and took the tour by storm.
Close second to Rafa. I appreciate his love of the game but I don’t want to see him crippled by continuing.
Fed is amazing and all, but his play never made me excited.
 
Federer for me, actually made me want to play tennis. I grew up liking Agassi, but was always into playing football more.

Federers aesthetics made me want to try and play tennis, and although I didn't for many a year, now here I am hitting with a Radical, a 2hbh and movement like a 1 legged octopus on dry land. Thanks Feds
 
GodlessEndeavor said:
- He tries too hard to be liked - his smiles and words come off as someone who's trying to say the right things rather than someone giving their honest thoughts.

- He contradicts himself in obvious ways. For example he keeps saying he loves the Wimbledon Centre Court so much, but then goes and smashes his racket into the net post, damaging it.
Click to expand...
Of B3, Djokovic was the only one who smiled, especially in intense situations. When I saw that Alcaraz did the same, I said that's two of a kind!

He smashed his racquet of frustration, he could still love it.
 
Even when it seemed like his body, especially his knees, were/are being held together with duct tape and superglue, I have to respect Nadal for doing all he did and continuing to keep grinding on when a lot of people would have probably hung it up several years ago now.
 
Although I’m a fan of one of them I like them all as players. But none of them inspire me on a personal level. All have accomplished admirable things and shown great grit and perseverance. But this is all in the context of playing a professional sport, it tells me little or nothing about perseverance in real life.
 
Novak, by far.

Reverse the situations and Fed would choke mid match and start crying, Nadal would just pull out a big injury as an excuse and not even enter the tournament afraid of the crowd.
 
Apun94 said:
The greatest in any profession of life are wired differently. It's not about the money or the fame for them (ok maybe a little), rather it's about being the most successful ever in their profession is what drives them. Very few people in the world have this drive. Theyll sacrifice anything to achieve it. Personal, family life, health, you name it. Normal humans, including myself, can never understand this drive, nor do I frankly want too. But it is what it is. All of the Big 3 had/have this drive. Idc if federer now claims that he's vv happy with his tennis career, I am sure he desperately wanted to have the slam record. Maybe his perspective has changed now and he's more content with his career (by God he should be) but during his playing days he wanted the slam record as much as the other 2
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I agree with all of that. That's why Marat Safin is the most inspirational player to me. I cannot fathom the sacrifice that the Big 3 made. I'm a strong believer in the law of diminishing return.
 
If we’re talking on a personal level, Novak Djokovic without a doubt. Unbelievable story.

If we’re also considering on a tennis level it’s Roger. The man is the reason for my passion of the sport.
 
Apun94 said:
I think it has to be Nadal or Djokovic more than Federer. I still remember Nadal's 2022 AO victory. Dude was down and out, had no business staying in that match but just stuck around. Stuck around long enough to find another gear or two while his opponent melted away as the match went on. Just shows that sometimes that most important thing in life is to simply hang around. You never know what might happen. Many times things will not turn your way but you only need one opportunity/chance to turn things around.
I know Djokovic has also done this many many times, especially his numerous 2 sets down victories.
Click to expand...
If we go by individual matches then they all have examples. Could just as easily point to the 2017 AO instead. Here Federer is, after getting his hopes up all tournament, finds himself down in the 5th set to the guy who has owned him his entire career.

Does he accept the inevitable? Nope. He gets off the mat and starts playing with more conviction than we've ever seen. Sometimes hanging around isn't good enough and you have to take matters into your own hands. Go out on your terms, win or lose.
 
GabeT said:
Although I’m a fan of one of them I like them all as players. But none of them inspire me on a personal level. All have accomplished admirable things and shown great grit and perseverance. But this is all in the context of playing a professional sport, it tells me little or nothing about perseverance in real life.
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Absolutely and precisely this.
 
ChaelAZ said:
I could split hairs between Federer and Nadal, but I think Federer transcended tennis to a sports icon on a few different levels than Nadal. I think much of that has to do with being more fluent in English actually, but also being on the scene MUCH earlier. Nadal, of course, transcended tennis with his undeniable fighting spirit and epic clay record that is sports legend the likes of which had never been seen in tennis. Both influenced their generation, the lost generation, and even this current generation and are both mentioned as idols.

Between them, it is a tough call and I suppose the votes would be along fan lines. Outside of tennis, I just think Federer and his brand were more known for sure.
Click to expand...
English is Fed's mother tongue (his mother, who is from South Africa, has talked to him in English since he was a baby). It's weird that his fans are constantly emphasizing that he is capable of speaking his mother tongue.
 
TennisXpert@2023 said:
“To me” Federer is the most inspirational because he has other interests that don’t include living vicariously thru his tennis career. Along with being satisfied with his career when he retired. Federer achieved many things in his career without conducting himself in an obsessed way. Federer is an inspiration because he doesn’t go around desperately trying to remind people of his tennis career.
Click to expand...
What interests? :unsure:
 
octobrina10 said:
English is Fed's mother tongue (his mother, who is from South Africa, has talked to him in English since he was a baby). It's weird that his fans are constantly emphasizing that he is capable of speaking his mother tongue.
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English is NOT the mother tongue of citizens from many non english speaking countries and yet educated people worldwide converse in english better than Nadal, there is no excuse for being terrible at english anymore because it a global language now, we are not in the 19th century or pre 19th century era anymore.
 
Razer said:
English is NOT the mother tongue of citizens from many non english speaking countries and yet educated people worldwide converse in english better than Nadal, there is no excuse for being terrible at english anymore because it a global language now, we are not in the 19th century or pre 19th century era anymore.
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Hmm. I wrote about Fed. I replied to the poster who praised Fed for speaking the language his mother has used to communicate at home since he was a baby.
 
octobrina10 said:
English is Fed's mother tongue (his mother, who is from South Africa, has talked to him in English since he was a baby). It's weird that his fans are constantly emphasizing that he is capable of speaking his mother tongue.
Click to expand...


Plenty of people from all over the world speak English. And in America, we all speak English. Fluency and being able to articulate thoughts and having better command than most is an important benefit, and Fed had that in spades. Definitely an important factor in his acceptance and influence. Has nothing to do if his Mom spoke it or not.
 
Apun94 said:
I think it has to be Nadal or Djokovic more than Federer. I still remember Nadal's 2022 AO victory. Dude was down and out, had no business staying in that match but just stuck around. Stuck around long enough to find another gear or two while his opponent melted away as the match went on. Just shows that sometimes that most important thing in life is to simply hang around. You never know what might happen. Many times things will not turn your way but you only need one opportunity/chance to turn things around.
I know Djokovic has also done this many many times, especially his numerous 2 sets down victories.
Click to expand...
Didn't Federer pull off a remarkable comeback slam win himself?
 
octobrina10 said:
What interests? :unsure:
Click to expand...
Federer has plenty of interest that don’t include coaching, commentating or opening up a tennis academy just to display his trophies.

Federer’s interests include spending time with his family, working on business projects, doing speaking engagements, doing tennis clinics to instruct youths and work for his foundation. He even took up golf.
 
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