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Having faced the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic a combined 30 times, Gilles Simon knows a thing or two about their greatness. The Frenchman is usually known to be quite vocal about matters involving the Big 3, and now he has come forward once again to give his two cents on the matter.
While speaking on La Chaine L’Equipe, the 35-year-old named Novak Djokovic as the strongest player among the Big 3. Simon also went on to speak highly about Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, and particularly singled out the Mallorcan’s achievements at Roland Garros for praise.
Rafael Nadal is extremely strong and Roger Federer is stressful to play against: Gilles Simon
Novak Djokovic may have been unable to win the US Open or the French Open, but he remains the man to beat this year. The Serb has lost just one completed match this year if you keep aside his disqualification at the US Open against Pablo Carreno Busta.
The four titles that Djokovic has won in 2020 include the Australian Open, Cincinnati Masters, Rome Masters and the Dubai Open.
Novak Djokovic’s peerless form coupled with his sheer consistency over the years has led Simon to believe that the Serb is the most complete player. The Frenchman even considers Djokovic superior to both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
“The strongest is Novak Djokovic,” Simon said. “He’s stronger than the two others. To me, he’s the most complete player with the least weaknesses and he will be the hardest to beat."
Rafael Nadal handed Novak Djokovic one of his worst defeats ever in the final of the recently concluded 2020 French Open. In the process, the Mallorcan lifted his 13th title at Roland Garros - unarguably one of the most impressive feats in all of sport.
Gilles Simon acknowledged Nadal’s ability on clay and labeled him the toughest player to overcome, especially on the red dirt of Roland Garros.
“Rafael Nadal is extremely strong as well and extremely difficult to beat,” Simon added. “I think he is the strongest on clay, the biggest challenge on the surface, especially in Roland Garros. What he did was unreal.”
Not wanting to leave Roger Federer out, Simon had a few words of praise for the Swiss Maestro as well. Having played Federer on nine occasions, Simon pointed out that playing against the 20-time Grand Slam champion was 'stressful', but that watching him play was a treat.
“And Federer is the same. He is stressful to play against but very pleasant to watch," Simon concluded.
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