"I never felt like that with Federer or Nadal": Ex-Top 10 player explains why Novak Djokovic was his toughest Big-3 opponent

Former Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis believes Novak Djokovic had the "highest level" among the Big 3. The former World No. 8 recalled one loss to the Serb that left him demoralized.

Baghdatis, who retired from tennis in 2019 after Wimbledon, played eight matches against Djokovic and lost all of them. He had a 1-7 record against Roger Federer and a 1-9 mark against Rafael Nadal.

In a conversation with Tennis 365, Baghdatis opened up about his experience facing Djokovic and compared it to that of playing against Federer and Nadal.

“I think, whenever I played Novak, they were pretty close matches. That’s my thinking. Maybe I’m wrong, but what’s what I remember. But I think I once got a nice beating out of him, and it was in Indian Wells. It was a 6-1, 6-2 (6-1, 6-3), I came off the court and I felt the guy gave me a lesson.

"I never felt like that with another player. I never felt like that with Roger or with Rafa, even when I was younger and I played Roger, I always felt like, ‘Next time I can beat him’. I always felt that. But with Novak it was… I didn’t have that feeling, especially after that match.”

"Some things are not entirely in my control" - Novak Djokovic on his retirement plans

Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship - Source: Getty

Novak Djokovic wrapped up his 2025 season after winning the Hellenic Championships. He beat Lorenzo Musetti in the final to claim his 101st title.

In a press conference after the win, the Serb was asked about his retirement plans. He revealed that he plans to retire after representing his country at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

"I’ve always had this throughout my life and my career, I’ve always had a schedule in my head for a year or more, what I want, how I want it. Since I’ve achieved absolutely all possible goals, I said about the 2028 Olympics because I wanted to play for so many more years. So maybe ending up at the Olympic Games with the Serbian flag, that would be nice."

He added that nothing was in his control, considering his age.

"I really don’t know, because there are some things that are not entirely in my control. I’m trying to be as healthy as possible mentally and physically."

Novak Djokovic began his 2025 season at the Brisbane International. He reached the quarterfinals, where he lost to Reilly Opelka in straight sets. The Serb reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slams, but did not make a final for the first time since 2017. He won two titles and ended the season with a 39-11 record.