Rafael Nadal has suggested that he, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic “physically harmed” themselves during their years of fierce competition.

The Big Three dominated tennis for the better part of two decades. But with Nadal and Federer now retired, Djokovic is the last man standing – and his body is slowly starting to give in.

Making a rare appearance three months after retiring, Nadal opened up on his rivalry with the two champions and admitted they pushed themselves to the limit.

Nadal and Federer both succumbed to injuries towards the end of their careers. The Swiss star retired in 2022, more than a year after his last competitive match and after three right knee surgeries.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion joined Federer in retirement last November, ending his career at the Davis Cup Finals. Nadal spent most of the last two years of his career sidelined by injuries, facing issues with his hip, abdomen and foot.

The Spaniard has now confessed that the Big Three rivalry took a physical toll on all of them, even if it made them better players and motivated them to compete for longer.

Nadal received the Extraordinary Trophy at Mundo Deportivo’s 77th annual Grand Gala on Monday night, where he was asked who his toughest opponent was.

“I would say Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, it’s difficult to choose,” he replied.

“My career is linked to both of them, the three of us have pushed each other to be better. It’s true that we’ve taken things from each other, but it’s fair to say that one of us, without the other two, wouldn’t have reached the numbers that the three of us have achieved.”

While Federer and Djokovic ultimately helped him extend his career, Nadal also claimed they suffered physically.

He continued: “In some ways we have pushed ourselves to the limit in every sense.

“Physically this has harmed us quite a bit, but on a tennis and mental level it has taken us to the next level of demand and that is why we have been able to have such a long career.”

While Nadal and Federer have now said farewell to their playing days, Djokovic is still flying the flag for the old guard.

But even his body is starting to feel the effects of competing at the highest level at the age of 37. Djokovic picked up a hamstring injury at the recent Australian Open and retired from his semi-final match after playing just one set.