Nick Kyrgios Reveals Pick For Most Hated Tennis Player Between Federer, Nadal & Djokovic

The Big Three era in men’s tennis stands as one of the most defining chapters in sporting history. For over two decades, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal have dominated Grand Slams, set new standards of greatness, and divided the loyalties of fans and fellow players around the world.

Each man carved out a unique legacy: Federer, the elegant maestro with 20 major titles; Nadal, the relentless warrior who battled his way to 22; and Djokovic, the iron-willed competitor who leads the trio with 24 and counting. Together, they didn’t just win, they shaped the sport’s identity. But not everyone looked at them with awe and admiration.

In a sport known for its respectful rivalries, Nick Kyrgios has always stood out. A player who often breaks the mould with his expressive style, unpredictable shot-making, and fiery attitude, the Australian has never been afraid to speak his mind, and that includes how he felt about facing tennis royalty.

Nick Kyrgios on Tennis’ Big Three

The Aussie revealed which one he hates the most

Appearing on the Nothing Major podcast, the 30-year-old opened up about his feelings towards the Big Three. While many would assume his fiercest feelings were reserved for Djokovic, who has long divided opinion among fans, Kyrgios had a different answer. In fact, his strongest emotions were reserved for a different member of the trio, and not for reasons you might expect.

“I couldn’t stand him,” Kyrgios admitted. “I used to hate and despise him so much when I saw him walking around. He was one guy who always motivated me. If I played him, I would get up for it and try and get the best tennis I could possibly play. I didn’t feel that anger towards Federer or Novak when I played them.”

Nadal vs Federer vs Djokovic Grand Slams (as of 17/07/25)
Player	Australian Open	French Open	Wimbledon	US Open	Total
Roger Federer	6	1	8	5	20
Rafael Nadal	2	14	2	4	22
Novak Djokovic	10	3	7	4	24

By the power of deduction, the man in question is Rafael Nadal.

Kyrgios explained that Nadal’s tireless image as the sport’s model professional, and the way he was idolised by peers in tennis academies, pushed him to take a different path and take up his rebellious nature.

“If I played Rafa, because everyone in our academies back home idolised him, they were like: ‘He is such a hard worker, he’s this and that.’ I was like ‘I can’t stand this guy.’ I wanted to show people you could just have fun and be chilled and beat people like that.”

Though his mindset has likely evolved, the comments offer a rare and honest insight into the emotional fire that has fuelled Kyrgios’ career. In his own way, Nadal was the benchmark he wanted to challenge, not just as a player, but as a symbol of the tennis establishment.