LONDON — British tennis star Emma Raducanu made headlines this week after she declined to answer a question about the "Big Three" of men's tennis—Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal—during a lighthearted social media feature at the Queen's Club Championships.
Raducanu's Evasive Response
The 2021 US Open champion was participating in a fun Q&A session for the tournament’s social media channels when she was asked: "Who is your favorite among Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal?" Raducanu, known for her composed demeanor, simply smiled and moved on to the next question without responding.
Her refusal to engage with the topic sparked immediate reactions from fans and analysts. Some interpreted it as a diplomatic move to avoid controversy, while others speculated whether she had a preference but chose not to disclose it publicly. Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg tweeted: "Raducanu playing it safe—smart move in today’s hyper-scrutinized tennis world."
The Weight of the "Big Three" Question
The question about Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal is a common one in tennis circles, often used to gauge a player’s admiration or playing style influences. However, it can also be a minefield, given the passionate fanbases each legend commands. Raducanu’s sidestep highlights the delicate balance young players must strike when discussing the sport’s icons.
Other players have handled the question differently:
- Carlos Alcaraz once called Nadal his "idol" but praised Djokovic’s dominance.
- Coco Gauff has frequently cited Serena Williams as her inspiration but admires Federer’s elegance.
- Jannik Sinner has avoided picking favorites, instead emphasizing learning from all three.
Why Raducanu Might Have Stayed Silent
Raducanu, who has faced intense media scrutiny since her historic US Open win, may have opted for neutrality to avoid fueling debates. Her coach, Nick Cavaday, has previously emphasized her focus on "controlling the controllables," which could extend to sidestepping divisive topics.
Fan Reactions and Speculation
Social media erupted with theories after the clip went viral. Some fans applauded her restraint, while others playfully speculated:
- "Maybe she’s Team Murray and didn’t want to say it!" (referring to Andy Murray)
- "Smart—no need to alienate any fanbase when you’re rebuilding your career."
Raducanu, currently ranked No. 165 after injury setbacks, is carefully navigating her comeback. Her decision to avoid the "Big Three" debate aligns with her recent focus on "letting my tennis do the talking."
The Big Three’s Legacy
Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal have long been benchmarks in tennis, with 66 Grand Slam titles between them. Younger players often face questions about their influence, but Raducanu’s non-answer underscores a shift—where new stars may prefer to carve their own paths without constant comparisons.
Federer, now retired, remains a global ambassador for the sport, while Nadal is playing a limited schedule ahead of his expected retirement. Djokovic, still active, continues to chase records. Raducanu’s silence might reflect a desire to stay neutral in an era where the "Big Three" narrative still dominates.
Looking Ahead for Raducanu
The 21-year-old is set to compete at Wimbledon next month, where she’ll aim to recapture the form that made her a household name. Whether she’ll face more questions about tennis’ legends remains to be seen, but her recent approach suggests she’ll continue prioritizing her game over external debates.
As one fan put it: "Emma’s job is to win matches, not pick favorites. Let her focus on the court." For now, Raducanu’s evasion of the Djokovic-Federer-Nadal question might just be another savvy move in her comeback playbook.