"People started to like Rafa more when Novak reached the elite level"

Carlos Navarro | 25 Jun 2025 | 19.11

Gilles Simon talked about Nadal, Djokovic, and talent. Source: Getty

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Few ex-players are as observant, analytical, and capable of expressing themselves freely in front of microphones as Gilles Simon. The clarity and intelligence that he instilled in his tennis is also evident in every interview, making him someone who speaks candidly and has full knowledge to opine on many topics. In his recent conversation with Sasa Ozmo for SportKlub, Simon shared his thoughts on the Big 3, showing his admiration for Novak Djokovic and recalling the early days of a triangle that, in his opinion, has changed significantly over time.

For the Frenchman, and perhaps this might surprise many, Rafael Nadal wasn't entirely popular in his early years in the elite. His rivalry with Roger Federer, with the Swiss player being praised worldwide and leaving an unforgettable impact, garnered some antipathy... until, according to Simon, the Serbian arrived. "It's important to remember that Roger was the most beloved player. Perhaps he was the most beloved ever. Many fans didn't like Rafa when he entered the circuit. However, he started becoming more likable when Novak reached the elite level. I am 100% sure of that. People started appreciating Rafa much more when he was being compared to Novak rather than Roger," Simon asserted without hesitation.

Simon also had words regarding the dynamics of the Big 3 and their relationship with the public, focusing on Nole and emphasizing that a change in his attitude eventually earned him the affection of fans. "Initially, he was the villain, but what I admire most about him is that he remains true to himself. For instance, when he refused to take the vaccine, even if it meant sacrificing the Grand Slam record. He didn't pretend. At first, he tried to please everyone, seeking more attention, and that seemed inauthentic. Finally, he told himself, 'This is who I am. I am Novak Djokovic. Whether you like it or not, I know who I am.' That earned him a lot of respect." According to Simon, not just respect but also the love, ultimately, of the tennis community.

"When he said he wanted to break Roger and Rafa's records, people thought he was arrogant. Now that he has done so, you can only tip your hat. He has earned the respect and even the love of fans and the tennis ecosystem. That wasn't there initially."

HIS PARTICULAR DEFINITION OF 'TALENT'

Another interesting topic raised by the Frenchman refers to his unique definition of 'talent'. Is Roger Federer a more talented player than Novak Djokovic or Rafael Nadal? Gillou has always advocated for separating aesthetics from the concept of 'talent,' and this time, surprisingly, he chose Feliciano López to illustrate his point: "I have always been bothered by people associating talent with a specific playing style. I don't see the connection. Now as a coach, it's even clearer to me: there are players who absorb information and execute it much faster than others. To me, that is talent.

During my generation, people used to say that Roger was much more talented than Rafa, who simply relied on his physicality. However, Rafa was winning matches at 16 years old: that means he was learning faster than anyone else. If you give him a golf club, he plays well. He's also good at football: he's a genius. Roger is more creative, more pleasing to the eye, which is what people associate with talent. They miss everything else.

Another example: Feliciano López. I thought of him when I made my observations about talent years ago. When he served, it was fun to watch him: serve and volley, very aggressive. That's the style labeled as 'talented.' On the other hand, he would hit drop shots 10 or 15 times in a row, which people associate with being a ball pusher. In the end, what's the verdict? Is he talented or not? You can't be a top-20 player without talent. People don't see the work behind the scenes. Some players need 15 minutes to learn something, others need an hour. The result on the court may be the same, but the process is very different." Always a pleasure to listen to Simon, who currently awaits an offer to resume his journey in coaching.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, "A la gente le empezó a gustar más Rafa cuando Novak llegó a la élite"