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Big Three Tennis Rivalry: Federer, Nadal, Djokovic Timeline

By Grand Slam titles, Novak Djokovic won the Big Three rivalry with 24, ahead of Rafael Nadal's 22 and Roger Federer's 20. Djokovic also leads both head-to-hea…

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WIMBLEDON

Federer wins his first major

Federer, 21, won Wimbledon in straight sets. Seven months later he was No. 1 for a record 237 straight weeks.

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ROLAND GARROS

Nadal wins Paris on debut

He beat Federer in the semi-final on his 19th birthday and won the title at his first attempt.

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WIMBLEDON FINAL

The greatest match?

Nadal beat Federer in near darkness after rain delays, ending Federer's five-year Wimbledon reign.

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AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Djokovic's first major

Aged 20, Djokovic beat Federer in the semi-final and won in Melbourne.

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BREAKTHROUGH

Djokovic takes over

He started 2011 41-0, beat Nadal in six finals and became No. 1.

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5H 53M

The longest major final

Djokovic beat Nadal 7-5 in the fifth set after trailing 4-2. Both needed chairs at the ceremony.

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COMEBACK

Federer and Nadal return

Back from injury, Federer beat Nadal in the Australian Open final; Nadal won Paris and New York.

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WIMBLEDON FINAL

Two championship points saved

Federer served at 8-7, 40-15 and missed both. Djokovic won the first final-set tie-break final.

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LAVER CUP

Federer says goodbye

His last match was in London, partnering Nadal. The photo of them in tears defined the era's end.

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24 MAJORS

Djokovic finishes ahead

Djokovic won three majors to reach 24, ahead of Nadal's 22 and Federer's 20.

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PARIS

Olympic gold, Nadal retires

Djokovic won Olympic gold at Roland Garros. Nadal retired after the Davis Cup in November.

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NOW

Hall of Fame and title 102

Federer entered the Hall of Fame on 29 August. Djokovic, 39, won his 102nd title on 6 October.

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WHO WON?

Who really won the rivalry?

Djokovic leads Slams, weeks at No. 1 and both head-to-heads. Nadal owns 14 French Opens. Federer has 103 titles.

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HEAD-TO-HEAD

150 matches between them

Djokovic leads Nadal 31-29 and Federer 27-23. Nadal leads Federer 24-16.

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66 OF 81

66 Slams, one era

Of 81 majors in that window, the Big Three won 66. Everyone else shared 15.

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