'Federer plays more beautifully than Djokovic and Nadal'

This is the opinion of legendary umpire Carlos Bernardes regarding the difference in playing styles of Roger Federer compared to his two rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

For over two decades, men's tennis has been almost entirely dominated by the legendary trio: Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal. These three great players have collectively won a total of 66 Grand Slam titles, creating one of the most brilliant eras in ATP Tour history.

Therefore, the debate about the "greatest tennis player of all time" (GOAT) among these three names has never cooled down. Many believe Novak Djokovic deserves the top spot as he holds the most Grand Slam titles in the group, and has nearly dominated all other impressive achievements in the tennis world.. Others hold a special admiration for Roger Federer due to his graceful, refined, and artistic playing style.

Recently, a noteworthy perspective was shared by Carlos Bernardes - the legendary ATP Tour umpire. After more than 30 years officiating over 8,000 matches before retiring in 2024, Bernardes had the chance to witness many generations of the world's best players firsthand.

Appearing on the podcastTales from Tennis, Bernardes was asked which ATP player he enjoyed watching the most. While showing respect for many Grand Slam champions, he did not hesitate to affirm that Federer has the most beautiful playing style he has ever seen.

"For me, the most beautiful tennis style I've ever seen on court belongs to Federer.", Bernardes shared. However, he also emphasized that each legend has their own unique traits. He mentioned Djokovic, Nadal, as well as names like Boris Becker, Goran Ivanisevic, and Lleyton Hewitt - players who always knew how to make a difference at decisive moments.

According to Bernardes, the common trait among champions is the ability to seize opportunities. "When the door opens slightly, they immediately step in and finish the match.", he commented.

The veteran umpire's viewpoint once again highlights the diversity in evaluating the "Big 3". If Djokovic stands out for his endurance and efficiency, Nadal impresses with his fierce fighting spirit, then Federer is seen as the symbol of beauty in tennis. And perhaps, this difference has created an irreplaceable era in the world of tennis.