วีดีโอ

Awesome video plus analysis enjoyed it very much.

I really think you would get more views (and more subscribers) if you included some highlights along with your analysis. Thanks!

Nadal will always be remembered as one of the 3 kings but I have a different and maybe unpopular view on him. After the delight that at last there was a peer competitor for Roger, and the early years where he showcased his incredible top-spin FH, his impact on the FO became tedious. repetitive and in the end negative. The FO became boring with the only interest being who could beat Nadal at the FO ? And ironically it hurt his legacy as being a 1TP, FO super specialist ( 2/3 of his slams are FO). The greatest athlete ? I don't know, the strongest yes , the all round greatest ? I say no .. I say Roger, NOvak are better movers because they are smoother in their stride which makes them just as fast but with less impact than the heavier pounding strides of Nadal. Agility and flexibility I would also give to Roger and especially Novak. I'd also chuck Becker's name in there . His FH is really unique, then again it really is a specialist clay weapon. Who would you choose if you had to take one FH from all of history to win the calendar GS ? I say Roger's FH has the best overall chance of doing this, so to me everything accounted for, Rog's has the best ever FH, no doubt for me. Nyahhhh !

I am an SEO expert on TH-cam.I can help you grow your youtube channel let me know if you are interested.

As a Rafa fan since 2004, thank you 3 for this beautiful and sentimental episode. Loved and enjoyed every minute of it

Nadal is a true introvert person, even Roger said he could not at his eyes when he speak but he opened with time. In his book it is also mention how lack of confidence he had, but he transforms when he plays and that's a true gift, to be able to show on court what you lack in person.

Rafa hates losing more than he likes winning

Andy Roddick's tribute to Rafa is moving and can bring a tear. These Rafa records are likely to stay in the dimension of time: 1. Rafa did not break a single racquet. 2. Respect for one and all and ludicrously humble even when no one's looking. Jon Werthiem finds it staggering, otherworldly. 3. Apologising for winning a Grand Slam. Remember the genuine compassion for Roger at AO 2009? It cannot be replicated, not even in a film or a cartoon strip. 4. Lost 4 years to injuries. 16 chances to have amassed at least half of them if not more. Yet ends up just 2 short of Novak's 24. 5. Perhaps his tennis academy could be unmatched in terms of nourishing human values in sport. As Andy Roddick said at the end of his tribute. Rafa, we love you.

As a diehard Rafa fan , I appreciate Novak saying that a part of him left when Roger and Rafa retired. I feel a part of all Rafa fans dies with his retirement. Tennis will never be the same. I think to use movie analogies, Roger was like the Terminator. Clinical and ruthless. Went straight for the kill. Novak was like the Predator. He waits and studies the opponent. And when he strikes, you dont know what hit you. And finally, Rafa was like Rocky. No explanation needed.

he is the greatest competitor 💯‼️‼️💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

King Rafa is the Tennis of Open Era! The most beautiful and most humble sportsman ever walked in tennis courts!

People often neglect the fact Rafa had a better slam head to head against Joker and Federer.

41:23 Loved Gill’s assessment on Rafa’s approach in comparison to Roger’s and Novak’s. I totally agree with it. While it’s true that Rafa tends to give less away in press (some of that may also be down to a bit of a language barrier), he always spoke about having doubts. In one of his interviews in 2022, he said that the only year he was very confident about winning Roland garros heading into the tournament was in 2008.

Joel said Rafa’s technique wasn’t as refined but I think that opinion is somewhat lazy? I get that his energy and his reputation makes it seem that most of his success was down to his mental game/competitive attitude but anyone who has watched him closely over the years knows that he’s right up their with the best ever technical players. Everything in his game was top tier: The forehand, the footwork, the volley, the return of serve and, as even Novak said himself, Rafa’s backhand became very strong later on in his career. 22 slams with the amount of time he missed due to injuries, wouldn’t be possible if he wasn’t technically refined.

Novak betters give us a year to say goodbye & do a proper farewell tour like Kobe did. Gives the fans time to say goodbye

You guys said it all, and covered every issue. The stark differences amongst the Big 3 are so immense, and that's a big part of what makes the story so fascinating. I maintain that this era and these three guys make the greatest sports story of all time. And Rafa, more than the other two, brought a style that no one will ever be able to replicate. As a devoted Novak fan, I tip my cap to you, Rafa. There will never be another you.

Rafa: 1. Teenage phenom 2. First to stand up to and challenge Federer who was at the time seen as almost unbeatable 3. Greatest rival of both Federer and Djokovic (according to them) 4. Demonstrated (and in my opinion showed) how to lose and remain classy (Federer) and how to fight as hard as you can on every point (Djokovic). Federer was a less than graceful loser early in his career, and Djokovic was a player that often just gave up and resigned in matches. 4. Built a career known for out working and playing longer than rivals on a congenital foot malformation 5. Showed INCREDIBLE longevity given the style of his game and bad foot 6. He played two of the most iconic matches in all of tennis (Wimbledon 2008 w Federer, Australia 2012 w Novak). 7. A true zen master… it’s about the process and not the results 8. A gentleman. A sportsman. 9. Must see TV 10. Also, the numbers: 22 majors, etc.

Gill, I have been watching you in both channels, your personal one and this one, and I’ve been astonished how great your tennis knowledge and reasoning is, but today I felt very dissapointed and not only that, indeed insulted. Nikoloz, Not Timoroz by the way, Timoros is not a name, Nikoloz Basilashvili have represented georgia, independent country with sole ethnicity - Georgia, for a decade, he even won final in beijing against del potro, how possibly could you mess up georgia and russia? That is bad and that’s disrespectful, Georgia the country in caucasus has nothing mutual with russia, I know you americans are bad at geography, but man, you are sports enjoyer, the case shoulda been different with you

If Nadal was say born in 1996 instead of 1986, maybe he would have chosen football / soccer instead of tennis. European and Spanish football became way more glamorous and lucrative in the 90s, and then in the 00s. It’s like how Mike Agassi said if he could have done things again, he would have pushed Andre towards baseball instead of tennis.

also re: the Nadal v. Verdasco Australian open semi... I think about that match from time to time and it's honestly a real shame there footage from back then looks so dated.

I remember reading a little snipped about him in Tennis Magazine somewhere around the end of 2004 (after the Davis cup) and then going out of my way to record his 2005 Australian open match against Leyton Hewitt. I still have it on VHS somewhere.

I wonder how much the disappearance of the onehanded backhand can be directly attributed to Rafa

Amy quick to throw cold water from a “records” standpoint. Nadal has the most titles are more big events than any of the Three, the most consecutive big titles of any of the Three. The best W/L record at the Slams vs. the Three. Are we talking about Djokovic having more October/November titles than Nadal?

Love Nadal man. Was tearing up when I saw the announcement but I think he made the right decision. What a legend and hope the best for him

@Gill, I think both the matches you highlighted were great calls! I also think a very underrated tournament Nadal had, underrated by fans I think, is the Davis Cup in 2019. Playing hardcourt indoors, he carried Spain to victory in that tournament. Incredible level of play...

Federer's greatest rival was Nadal, and Djokovic's greatest rival has also been Nadal. I think that itself speaks volumes as to what a great player, champion and legend of the sport he has been and he will certainly go down as one in the pantheon of greatest sportspersons ever!

you've been dissected by Roger, you've been on the wrong side of mathematical equation of Novak, you've been butchered by Rafa. Clarity is what is important. Not confidence. But Gill, you are right and Joel doesn't seem to understand Rafa as a person. Many things Novak or even Roger said or done were just for a show. Rafa? Never. It always came from his heart and he never could betray that.

Truly the most unique player in the Big 3, who is endlessly positive and relentless, as well as an inspiration for many. In retrospect, we should be grateful that Nadal had a (mostly) healthy career, as this was not a given in his younger years. Nadal is also a very charitable and gracious person off the court, so I hope he can enjoy his retirement with his family. Vamos Rafa! 🎾

Excellent episode, great takes from everyone. The discussion on the Nadal family dynamics was interesting, same with Rafa's mentality. On one hand I believe Gill is right based on interviews and how he plays like his backs against the wall (a few other things as well) On the other hand anyone who excels in anything is putting in exceptional effort because they have a fear of failure. Also perceived insecurities in a person's mind is insecurity. You can have everything together in life and still be very insecure. I believe insecurity and success can be linked in many cases. Does Rafa focus on the losing bit more than the I'm winning bit? I think so, and that's what made him great while other athletes can have the opposite mentality and use that to elevate them. Both mindsets are still coming out to the court trying to win.

I've always been a Novak fan, but oh boy, who cares about that right now... Thank you Rafa for all those great memories! One of a kind in every aspect, feeling so sorry that he is part of the past now... It is time for you, the great 3 tennis analysts, to change the background, and shift the narrative to today's tennis stars. As much as I love Novak, the 3 became 1 (0.5). The new numbers arrived, and the big 3 story is part of the legendary history, no new chapters to be written...

Borg and McEnroe seduced me into tennis when I was a little kid. Was also really into Martina-Chris Evert. Kind of drifted off for a long time though I always kept an eye on the side. Federer woke me up in a big way, then Nadal, then became the biggest fan ever when Djokovic arrived. Australian Open final 2012 Djokovic-Nadal for me was the penultimate point, the most memorable tennis match I've ever watched. Still a die-hard Djokovic fan but Nadal's retirement brought tremendous sadness, though it was expected. The Big Three are a once in a lifetime privilege, I was lucky enough to see them from beginning to soon to be the end. Tremendous respect and affection for Rafa. A classy dude all the way. One of the greatest warriors in any sport. Muchísimas gracias, Rafa.

Rafa's uncle Miguel Nadal was a former FC Barcelona soccer player. He's the brother of Uncle Tony and Rafa's dad. Professional sports was in the family genes.

Rafa-always a fighter, a champion, a warrior, a bullish mentality that conquered RG-Rafa the king of Paris. One-of-a-kind player. Glad to have watched him in the big three era. Thank you! Bless you! A champion ALWAYS!!! Thanx J-A-G 3 for this video! Great stuff! And then there was 1 remaining ;) Three-The Tennis Show simply the best. Again, thanx! Cheers, Milan

(1) Who am I to disagree with Amy? But IMO there is no greater tennis champion than Rafael Nadal. He missed so many Majors due to injury. And yet he still won 22. At Majors, Rafa is 10-4 against Roger and 11-7 against Novak. (2) Rafa’s example -- polite, humble, gracious -- clearly influenced his peers for the better. Before Rafa, what male tennis champion hugged his opponents? (Pay attention ladies!) To me, tennis genius and being a Great Man is what defines Rafael Nadal.

Love all the choices of your favourite of his matches. Another classic he lost was 2017 Australian against Federer. I really enjoyed it when he pumped Djokovic in the covid French Open final.

Like Rafa's actual parents had nothing to do with Rafa's make up and attitude. Yup, it's all Uncle Tony🙄

Can NOT believe Joel still spouting this nonsense, that neither Gill nor Amy contested, that Rafa's left-handednes in playing tennis was learned not natural. JHFC.

The most tenacious. ❤️❤️❤️

He brought me back to tennis. Rafa has been the only player I would watch every single point he played. Again & again. The only player I would wake up any time in the middle of the night to watch. I love Rafa with deep deep appreciation.

Rafa GOAT Gil = loser

Was waiting for you 3 to do this podcast

Rafa's most epic matches for me having watched him all these years 👇 vs Novak@AO (12) vs Federer@Wimbeldon (08) vs Novak@FO (2013) vs Novak@Wimbeldon (2018) vs Verdasco@AO (09) vs Medvedev@AO (2022) the greatest epic comeback ever in a slam final.

Gil cannot appreciate Rafa as much as it could;d be. You have some bias with Rafa. Should let Amy and Joel talk more in this tribute kind for one of GOAT

New Show Idea: “2” Sinner & Alcaraz

Nadal surely contributed to making Federer (even) more popular as well. I gather that some of Federer’s early grand slam finals were not big TV ratings hits including in Switzerland. However once the Federer-Nadal rivalry heated up, and they were playing each other in so many big finals, the interest grew and it helped catapult the star power of both of them to another level.

Well there is a well oiled PR propoganda portraying Nadal which is all over social media after he announced his retirement. The fundamental question is: is such a hype really necessary given that he was already in semi retirement, and - as he has done throughout his career strategically - was only participating in clay court tournaments. After ignominiously losing in the first round in straight sets to Zverev in his favourite court, he became too desperate to win another Olympic medal and participated in both singles and doubles. But fate willed that he should get spanked by Novak at Olympics in his favourite court: Philip Chatrier once again and in doubles too Alcaraz made him lose with one of his worst displays. This sent him to complete disarray. Although he made salty statements like "he will not be too frustrated like Novak without slam record" his actions conveyed otherwise and exposed his hypocrisy. He was like a fish without water. He was in a Shakespearian dilemma of "to be or not to be". He yearned for success, but dreaded defeats too and this put him in a quandary. The flimsy excuse of not being 100% fit for US open incited giggles even amongst his own crazy fan base. The disingenuous way he withdrew from Laver Cup at the last minute putting thousands of fans - who bought exorbitantly priced tickets and booked luxury hotels - in a tizzy only showed once again as to how self1sh he really was.

Jimmy Connors described Rafa as a grinder,and is clear that Rafa saw tennis as a point by point thing. The excitement that he produced in the crowd when running to the stands at the start of the game, or those marathons of 3 and 4 hours matches when Masters 1000 or 500 were yo 5 sets... We were treated to a different kind of tennis..battles with no end and twists and turns was the constant of the game. Mission accomplished Rafa. Enjoy life, and big thanks to 3 for this special podcast.

Great show guys!! Gonna miss Rafa soo much 😞

The goat 🐐

Hi Amy, Joel and Gil. Ive been watching your 3 podcast for quite a few years and this episode is one of your best. Given the fundamental premise of the show is about the tennis careers of Roger, Rafa and Novak then a retrospective of Rafa's career after his retirement announcement yesterday is a major moment and a milestone episode. I'm in the Joel generation category and have followed tennis since 1970. I like how each of you bring a different angle to the show. I read Rafa's book earlier this year and i particularly liked your discussion around Rafa's psychology compared to Roger and Novak. I played and coached a team sport at both senior and junior level until a few years ago and your exchange of ideas around parenting, role modelling, mentoring and coaching is a fascinating subject thats dear to my heart. This is the area that is most interesting about the life and career's of Roger, Rafa, Novak and Andy. They have much in common but are each quite different. I was lucky to have watched Rafa at the Australian open in 2009 from close range. You spoke about the effect his court presence has on you. My analogy is a motor car analagy. Roger is the top range Mercedes with all the features, performance with smooth ride and style. Rafa hit the court like a fully tricked up muscle car with so much horsepower it might not be safe, revving at the lights like it might explode. He played Tommy Haas maybe 4th round. You could see Tommy was just battling so the score could be respectable. I've never seen so much topspin and sidespin together on the ball. He moved from the back of the court to the net in 2 leaps like Ben Johnson out of the blocks. He beat Roger in the final and put Roger's mental state into shock and he broke down in his runner up speech. This was before any of Rafa's injuries and was at his physical peak. Looking forward to your next episode.