Gilles Simon may have been known for his conservative, tactical style on the court, but when it comes to voicing his opinions, the former World No. 6 pulls no punches. In a recent admission during Roland Garros, the Frenchman revisited many of his most debated takes and stood firmly by them.
One of these takes involved the ‘Big 3’ and the trifecta of greatness that has ruled men’s tennis for the past 20 years. It is safe to say that it was a rather controversial take.
Gilles Simon Weighs In on Evolving Fan Sentiment for the Prodigious ‘Big 3’
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic have clinched a combined 66 Grand Slam titles. That number is enough to show how they didn’t just change the world but the sport itself. And in doing so, the trio inevitably divided the world into groups with one fanbase cheering for their hero against their arch-nemesis.
For Federer, this rival was none other than Nadal early on, and the Spaniard’s public opinion was divided until he became a hero himself. Or at least got a villain of his own. This is what his former colleague, Simon, believes. In an interview with CLAY, Simon shed light on the ‘Big 3’ and shift in fan opinion regarding the 22-time Grand Slam champion.
“In my generation, people said Roger was way more talented than Rafa, who relied on physicality. But Rafa was winning matches at 16 – that means he was learning faster than everyone else. If you hand him a golf club, he plays well. He’s good with football, too, because he’s a genius. Roger is more creative and easier on the eye, so people associate that with talent, and they miss the rest.”
He added, “Remember, Roger was the most loved player, maybe ever. And most fans didn’t like Rafa when he showed up. But they started liking him more when Novak came on the scene. I’m 100% sure of it. Rafa became more appreciated once fans started comparing him to Novak instead of Roger.”
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The Frenchman gave the Serbian legend credit for holding his own against Federer and Nadal right from the get-go. “But he started becoming more likable when Novak reached an elite level. I’m 100% certain about that. People began appreciating Rafa much more when he was compared to Novak rather than Roger.”
“He was the ‘villain’ early on, but here’s what I admire the most – he’s true to himself. For example, refusing the vaccine even if it meant giving up Slam records. He didn’t fake it. In the beginning, he tried to please everyone, get more attention, and that came off as inauthentic. Eventually, he said: ‘This is who I am. I’m Novak Djokovic. Like me or not – I know who I am.’ That kind of stance earned him respect,” he added.
The former World No. 6 concluded, “When he said he wanted to break Roger’s and Rafa’s records, people thought it was arrogant. But now that he’s done it, you have to tip your hat. He’s earned the respect, and now he’s even getting love from fans and the whole tennis world. That wasn’t there in the beginning.”
At the 2025 Roland Garros, Nadal was honored with a special ceremony attended by his greatest opponents, including Djokovic and Federer. With the Swiss maestro and Spaniard already hanging up their boots, the Serb is the only active player left out of the ‘Big 3’. And just a few days out from Wimbledon, Djokovic will be looking to add another chapter in his ever-growing legacy.
