Sport Review tennis big four rankings
Sport Review #294
This was the first year since 2003 that one of Roger, Rafa, Andy or Novak didn’t win a grand slam. So in the interests of, erm, me, here is my personal ranking of the big four based on playing and also vibes.
Novak Djokovic
As a young player, Novak was amazing - all bug-eyes, rubber arms, endless running, a chest beating, fiery Serbian underdog taking on the big boys.
But his journey to becoming a petty, thin skinned dickweed who unfortunately now has the most Grand Slams was a tough watch. His schtick of getting upset by crowds is boring. He held a COVID party. He refused to get vaccinated and made a cock of himself at the Australian Open. He’s always crying about being disrespected. He turns up for finals with cute little track jackets with how many grand slams he’s won. He says he’s not a villain but if it walks like a duck m8.
Rafael Nadal
Rafa the person is a wholesome and likeable human being, his uncontrollable weeping when Roger retired was one of the most endearing things I’ve ever seen. Winningly, he could have been an amazing footballer.
But, it’s his style of play, the baseline / heavy topspin / ball muscling that wears opponents down isn’t what tennis is about, to me. He basically ended Federer’s career by smashing lefty topspin forehands into his backhand until it broke. He’s the reason everyone at the tennis club has those Babolat racquets and a ridiculous grip.
I respect the grind and all that digging around in the Paris clay to win all those trophies, and his never-give-up-come-back-from-miles-behind-to-win ways his opponents will still have nightmares about. But it’s Not My Bag.
Andy Murray
Muzza is dry, with a sense of perspective and humour about the whole thing. Made history as the first Brit to win Wimbledon since pre-WWII under immense pressure. Had horrible injuries and kept coming back.
His style is all running and counter-punching - not my thing, but he’s got an old-school all-court player’s touch as you can see with his lobs. Said goodbye this year and got the full tear-jerker Wimbledon-BBC send off. Oh and he has a great dog voice.
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Roger Federer
Just the platonic ideal of a tennis player. Serves in corners. Forehand second only to DelPo. Liquid backhand. Nasty, nasty slice backhand. Glides over the court. Soft hands at the net.
He’s a great guy. Family man. Funny. Stylish. Uses a Pro Staff. Enjoys his food and drink. Is still around tennis, but in a tasteful fashion. Underneath the suave unflappable Swiss exterior was a surprisingly steely and aggressive competitor.
Faults? He has that ‘I’m a perfectionist’ job interview answer vibe and supports South Africa. And that’s about it. I miss him.
Thanks for reading - Richard
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