... And, 24 years later, the Big 3 is no longer at the top

Carlos Navarro - 15 Sep 2026 | 13:01
Rafael Nadal Novak Djokovic Roger Federer Big Three

For the first time in 24 seasons, there is no member of the triumvirate among Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer in the top 10. Who dominated this sport back then?

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Federer Nadal Djokovic

The passage of time is overwhelming. It surpasses us all with the force of a cyclone, it does not stop for anything or anyone, and it occasionally plunges us into an irresistible state of nostalgia. There are moments or people, indeed, that hold it at bay. The closest sensation to this in the world of tennis has been experienced with the arrival, permanence, and longevity in the elite of the Big Three: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic deceived us, spoiled us, made us think that the laws of nature and biology did not apply to them. Today is one of those days where we emerge from that illusion and mirage.

For the first time since October 7, 2002, none of the members of the Big Three appear in the top-10 of the ATP ranking. It seems quick to say: that’s 24 seasons of uninterrupted presence, week to week, of at least one of the three names mentioned. Roger Federer arrived first, taking over the circuit with elegance and beauty in equal measure, breaking that generation of "in-between times" after the twilight of Agassi and Sampras; then Rafael Nadal arrived, absolute nemesis and king of clay, to establish a duo that captivated the world and, finally, Novak Djokovic appeared, the one who would perpetuate the mutual legacy and turn that dance into an unforgettable party. But, what was tennis like when the Big Three were not around? Who dominated? Where are they now? There’s nothing like revisiting that top-10 on such a special day.

This was the top-10 of the ATP ranking 24 years ago, the last week in which Federer, Nadal, or Djokovic were not in the top-10

  1. Lleyton Hewitt: In the interwar period, tennis seemed to have found a new dominant force. Solid, consistent, eager to be a wall from the baseline and with a good hand when he ventured into the middle of the court: Lleyton seemed set to mark an era, especially upon realizing that mental maturity did not correspond with his age on the identity card. Then came Federer, of course, and everything changed. To this day, the Australian is the living example of the passage of time: his son, Cruz Hewitt, just earned his first ATP points a couple of weeks ago... while Novak Djokovic, a member of the Big Three, was still in the top-5 of the ranking. Currently, the Australian serves as the Davis Cup captain for his country.

     

  2. Tommy Haas: The German occupied his best historical position before injuries constantly interrupted his career. A tennis craftsman, with a beautifully executed one-handed backhand and a style of tennis that worked points through angles and 3/4 balls, the German fought memorable battles, but never with the consistency and regularity that would characterize many of his contemporaries in the years to come. He also exemplifies the historical longevity of the Big Three wonderfully: Roger, Rafa, and Nole faced him on the court... and then went on to win his "tournament," an Indian Wells of which he is now the director.

  3. Andre Agassi: Despite the ups and downs of a movie career, Andre had time to bid farewell to this sport after having closely experienced the experience of facing Federer and Nadal. He was no longer the electrifying Agassi of dazzling speed and lines, but rather a more mature, intelligent, and methodical Andre, still able to take advantage of the power vacuum and win his last Slams. Since then, the American has jumped into business, written a book, been a commentator, and even spent some time coaching Novak Djokovic. Laugh if you want about making the most of those hours.

     

  4. Marat Safin: The king who wasn't. Few players from the 2000s hit the ball with the virulence and precision with which Marat did. His career was not marked by longevity, and even then he had mixed results after winning the 2000 US Open, his calling card to the world. Now, Marat occasionally accompanies Andrey Rublev, offers advice to young prospects... and, above all, enjoys the mental peace he did not have during his time on the circuit.

     

  5. Tim Henman: Before Murray, the great British hope to break the Grand Slam drought was a well-established Tim Henman in the elite. He never achieved it, but he can boast of having faced giants and remained consistent, always close to the top tier of the circuit. Since then, Tim has taken on an important role in developing LTA prospects, in addition to being one of BBC's main commentators at each Wimbledon.

     

  6. Juan Carlos Ferrero: Before the best season of his sports career, the one that would give him that dream Roland Garros, Ferrero was already living with two realities: that of his immense talent (finalist in Paris and arrival at the top-10) and that of physical problems (he played that final against Albert Costa under a cortisone shot). Both would mark his journey on the circuit, although they would not define a fiercely competitive man with enviable balance and fluidity in his shots. Once again, no one like him to make clear the monstrous nature of the Big Three's achievement: he went from facing them to being the coach of the one who would eventually dethrone them (Carlos Alcaraz).

     

  7. Albert Costa: That circuit still retained the figure of 'specialists,' players who shone on one surface and utilized it to endure in the elite of the circuit. Few measured time better and felt as comfortable on clay as the Catalan, who had just conquered Paris and thus left his mark on the history of this sport. After his retirement, Albert embarked on many adventures, including his journey as Davis Cup captain and his participation in the TEC of Barcelona, one of the main academies on Spanish soil today.

     

  8. Sebastien Grosjean: It may surprise many to see the Frenchman's record (he only has four titles) and to learn that he reached #4 in the world. Back then, youth played in his favor, and he was the spearhead of French tennis until the arrival of the generation of Monfils, Tsonga, or Gasquet. He specifically coached Richard for more than five seasons, coexisting hand in hand with the dominance of the Big Three; it wasn't his only adventure on the sidelines, as he also worked with Arthur Fils and, more importantly, was the French Davis Cup captain.

     

  9. Carlos Moyá: What can be said about Charly? A legend of Spanish tennis, a pioneer for many, and still in the spotlight during a time when he was a threat to anyone. At a time when careers didn't last as long, the Mallorcan displayed enviable physicality, belonging to a nearly extinct breed of players with an ultra-dominant forehand on which he based much of his game. Along with Agassi, the only retired player on this list who can boast of having coached one of the members of the Big Three (Rafael Nadal).

     

  10. Yevgeny Kafelnikov: By then, the best days of the Russian had already passed, being the only 'survivor' alongside Agassi from a generation of veterans who still wanted to maintain some relevance. It wouldn't be long before he retired, merely a year, but he remained competitive, falling to Hewitt in the semifinals of the 2002 US Open (which allows him to appear in this ranking). Now he is outspoken on social media, where he rarely holds back on an opinion, and on television in his country, where he has been a recurring commentator. His adventures post-tennis are quite interesting, playing international poker and golf tournaments and at one point becoming one of Putin's most critical voices in Russia (critiques that have softened in recent years).

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, ... Y, 24 años después, el Big 3 ya no está en lo más alto