David Nalbandian is widely considered one of the most talented players never to win a Grand Slam singles title.
Known for his exceptional backhand, Nalbandian remains the only Argentine in history to reach at least the semi-finals of all four major tournaments.
The former world number three and 2002 Wimbledon finalist is also the only player ever to beat Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the same ATP event.
Federer, Nadal and Djokovic are often cited as the greatest men’s tennis players of all time, with a combined 60 Grand Slam titles between them.
However, there’s still plenty of discussion around how they should be ranked within that group.
David Nalbandian backs Novak Djokovic over Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer
On an appearance on ‘Clank!’, David Nalbandian was clear in his view that Novak Djokovic is the best of the three, without any hesitation.
“I think there is unanimity, but also different tastes. Without a doubt, Nole is the best. By results, numbers, everything.
“Now: you may like Roger and Rafa more, who are a little lower in the number, but they were much more symbolic for people.
“For me, Djokovic is the best, without a doubt. You may like it more or less, but for me there are no doubts.
“In addition, Nole helped Roger and Rafa to continue improving and continue to have goals. Between the three they strengthened themselves.”
Djokovic’s numbers make his case strong – 24 Grand Slam titles put him ahead of both Federer and Nadal. He’s also spent more weeks at world number one than anyone else in history and holds a record 10 Australian Open men’s singles titles.
He’s already back into training ahead of another ATP Tour season, recently hitting with young Greek prospect Rafael Pagonis as he looks to add even more to an already remarkable career.
David Nalbandian’s 2002 Wimbledon campaign
Nalbandian went into Wimbledon 2002 seeded 28th and wasn’t seen as a serious contender. But the way the draw unfolded gave him a real opportunity—he didn’t face another seed until the quarter-finals.
In the opening four rounds, Nalbandian got past David Sanchez, wildcard Paul-Henri Mathieu, lucky loser George Bastl and unseeded Wayne Arthurs.
The Argentine then won back-to-back five-setters over Nicolas Lapentti in the quarter-finals and Xavier Malisse in the semis.
But in the final, he was well beaten by top seed Lleyton Hewitt, who came out on top 6-1, 6-3, 6-2. That was Hewitt’s second major title after his victory at the US Open a year earlier.
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