"For me, Rafael Nadal is unique player...With Novak Djokovic, it's more straightforward" - When Roger Federer spoke on strategizing against rival duo

Roger Federer once discussed his strategic approach when facing his arch-rivals: Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Federer made these comments during the 2015 ATP Finals. He was drawn into Group Stan Smith and beat his compatriot Stan Wawrinka in the semifinals in straight sets to set up a title bout against Djokovic.

In the championship match, three-time defending champion Djokovic defeated Federer 6-3, 6-4 to lift his fifth title at the Year-End tournament. The victory also made the Serb the first player to win the event four consecutive times.

Roger Federer attended a press conference afterwards and shared insights into his strategies against Nadal and Djokovic. He mentioned that he focused on working "more precisely" against the Spaniard, whom he considered a "unique player."

"It's hard to speak for every other player," Federer said. "For me personally, not really, because I feel like I need to work on my overall game that is going to have an impact against most of the players."

"For me, Rafa [Nadal] is the unique player in the field. I used to work more precisely towards him. I think that's what you're trying to ask," he added.

The Swiss Maestro also noted that facing Djokovic was "more straightforward" in the sense that if he didn't elevate his game against the Serb, he would inevitably lose.

"With Novak [Djokovic], it's more straightforward," Federer said. "If you don't play very well, you're going to have a hard time. If you're going to play better, I know I have my chances with my game."

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Roger Federer has a negative head-to-head record against Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic

The Big 3 pictured at the 2022 Laver Cup

Roger Federer has a negative head-to-head record against Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Federer and Nadal met 40 times on the ATP Tour, with the Spaniard leading their head-to-head record at 24-16. Nadal claimed victory in their first encounter at the 2004 Miami Masters, while Federer emerged triumphant in their last encounter at the Wimbledon 2019 semifinals.

Meanwhile, Djokovic leads Federer 27-23 in their head-to-head standings. The Swiss won their first meeting at the 2006 Monte-Carlo Masters, while the Serb came out on top in their last encounter at the semifinal of the 2020 Australian Open.

Federer retired from professional tennis in 2022 at the Laver Cup. His farewell tournament included appearances by both Nadal and Djokovic, among others.

In his final professional match, the 20-time Major champion partnered with Nadal to play doubles against the American pair of Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe. However, the legendary duo were defeated with a 6-4, 6-7(2), 9-11 score.