Rafael Nadal has opened up on his fierce rivalries with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, claiming one of the pair was "in his hands" during the peak of his career

Rafael Nadal has given an insight into his relationship with his two biggest rivals, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Rafael Nadal announced his retirement last year, drawing curtains to a glittering career which also saw him 22 major titles (including a record 14 French Open titles). Nadal’s departure from the ATP circuit also saw Novak Djokovic being left alone as the only active member of the Big Three.

Two of the most adored players in tennis, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, have long been revered by tennis enthusiasts for their epic matches. Over fifteen years, they collided forty times on the court,

Federer won his 20th and final Grand Slam title at the 2018 Australian Open, beating Marin Cilic in a thrilling five-setter. He became the first man to get to 20 Majors, and the weight of the occasion got to him - he burst into tears during the trophy presentation.

Rafael Nadal was involved in a fierce rivalry with both Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer but has now explained the key difference between the two multi-Grand Slam champions

Rafael Nadal spent years locked in a fierce rivalry with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. The Big Three dominated the sport, occupying the world No. 1 spot for years and winning 66 Grand Slam titles between them.

Rafael Nadal has given his verdict on why tennis fans enjoyed this rivalry with Roger Federer more than his battles with Novak Djokovic. In an interview with former world No 1 Andy Roddick on his Served podcast,