ATP Miami: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer ensure historical absence
Novak Djokovic , Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer will not start at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Miami - and thus ensure the end of an almost incredible series.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Mar 20, 2021, 12:15 pm
Most observers of the sport agree that Novak Djokovic , Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are the three best tennis players of all time. Alomst all records belong to one of these three exceptional athletes, who hold a total of no less than 58 Grand Slam titles.
The record at the ATP Masters 1000 tournaments reads no less impressive. As with the major events, the "Big Three" also lead the statistics here: Djokovic holds the record with 36 titles, closely followed by Rafael Nadal (35). And Roger Federer does not have to hide with his 28 tournament victories either.
More than 16 years later ...
It is difficult to estimate at the moment how many of these trohpies they will have won once they have retired. What is clear, however, is that at least at the event that starts on March 24th in Miami there will be no further tournament victory - because Djokovic, Nadal and Federer all canceled their participation in Florida.
For the first time since the event in Paris-Bercy in 2004, none of the three figureheads will take part in one of the ATP Masters 1000 tournaments. Since then, 138 events have taken place at this level, an unbelievable 95 titles - almost 69 percent - went to Djokovic, Nadal or Federer during this period.
Medvedev, Tsitsipas and Zverev lead the field
How difficult it is to win one of these tournaments is shown by an exemplary look at the statistics: If you take out the "Big Three", all active players hold together 31 ATP Masters 1000 tournament victories. Andy Murray is responsible for 14 pieces.
The Scot will start in Miami thanks to a wildcard, but shouldn't play a role in the awarding of the title. Rather, it can be assumed that Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev and Co. will make the trophy among themselves. It could be a first foretaste of the time after the three great dominators of tennis.