John McEnroe, the former tennis star, has shared his choices for the greatest players on each type of tennis surface, highlighting Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic. Given that the four Grand Slams take place across clay, grass, and hard courts, excelling on each surface demands exceptional skill. McEnroe’s selections emphasize those achievements that define the greats of the game on the courts where they have excelled most.
While some players thrive on all surfaces, others face challenges adjusting to different conditions, as seen recently when British number one Jack Draper confessed his dislike for the grass season. Draper’s admission was followed by a surprising second-round exit at Wimbledon against Marin Cilic, illustrating the difficulty and unique demands of grass-court play.
Dominance on Clay: Rafael Nadal’s Unmatched Record
When discussing the greatest clay-court player, McEnroe did not hesitate to name Rafael Nadal, often referred to as “The King of Clay.” Nadal’s incredible mastery of Roland Garros is highlighted by 14 French Open titles over 17 years, beginning with his first win in 2005 and remaining undefeated there until his unexpected loss to Robin Soderling in 2009. His sustained dominance on this surface is unparalleled in tennis history.
Nadal’s achievements extend beyond clay, with Grand Slam titles across all surfaces, including Australian Open wins in 2009 and 2022, Wimbledon victories in 2008 and 2010, and four US Open titles. This year, Nadal’s legacy was immortalized at the French Open as his footprint was permanently placed on Court Philippe-Chatrier in Paris, honoring his place in tennis history permanently.
Before the tournament, McEnroe remarked to Inside the NBA about Nadal’s supremacy on clay:
“Rafael Nadal, on the surface we’re going to see over the next couple of weeks, without a doubt, it’s him on clay at Roland Garros.”
—John McEnroe
Mastery of Grass Courts: Roger Federer’s Elegant Legacy
For grass courts, McEnroe’s pick was Roger Federer, praised for his fluid and graceful style on the surface where many games are fast-paced and require precise movement. Federer’s eight Wimbledon titles, collected between 2003 and 2017, showcase his dominance on the sport’s most prestigious grass courts.
Federer’s career includes multiple Grand Slam victories beyond Wimbledon, with six Australian Open titles, a French Open win in 2009, and five US Open wins. McEnroe also paid respect to his own childhood idol, Rod Laver, by acknowledging his importance in the history of grass-court tennis. Laver, a dominant figure in the 1960s, won 11 Grand Slams including four at Wimbledon, but Federer’s longevity and sustained excellence place him at the top in McEnroe’s view.
On Federer, McEnroe said:
“We also play on grass for one month a year, which I would give to Roger Federer.”
—John McEnroe
Of Rod Laver, McEnroe added:
“To me, Rod Laver, way back when, was my idol.”
—John McEnroe
Hard Courts and All-Round Excellence: Novak Djokovic’s Reign
Hard courts, the surface for both the US Open and Australian Open as well as most tournaments worldwide, have been dominated by Novak Djokovic. McEnroe identified Djokovic as the finest hard-court player of all time, highlighting the Serbian’s remarkable consistency and success across these demanding surfaces.
Djokovic holds a record 24 Grand Slam titles, with 14 of those achieved on hard courts. His ten Australian Open wins from 2008 through 2023 and four US Open victories showcase his command on this surface. In addition, Djokovic has triumphed multiple times on grass and clay, proving himself as a versatile competitor even as he approaches 40 years old.
During a guest appearance on a show hosted by Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, McEnroe stated simply:
“The best hard-court player of all time would be Novak Djokovic.”
—John McEnroe
The Lasting Impact of the Big Three Across Surfaces
The players selected by McEnroe—Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic—represent what many view as the pinnacle of modern tennis. Their dominance has spanned more than 15 years, shaping the sport through their records and rivalries, with each player excelling on different surfaces, yet all achieving career Grand Slams.
The ability to master multiple surfaces, especially to complete a career Grand Slam on grass, clay, and hard courts, is rare; only a handful of players in history have done so. McEnroe’s recognition of these three highlights their unique talents and legacies within tennis.
Former player Tim Henman, who competed against Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Andy Murray, has witnessed firsthand the extraordinary level these champions have maintained over their careers, emphasizing the era’s competitiveness and significance.