Gilles Simon is among the few long-term professionals who have competed against the era-defining 'Big 3'—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic—who have collectively secured 57 Grand Slam trophies over the last two decades.
Gilles Simon is currently one of the veterans of men’s tennis who has had the chance to play against the Big 3 – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, who have 57 Grand Slams overall since 2003 to the present day.
While promoting his debut book in an interview with Tennis Majors, Simon highlighted Nadal's remarkable resilience. He described how the Spaniard utilizes a specific set of reliable tactics to claw his way back into a match whenever he's under pressure.
Nadal typically responds to adversity by increasing the pace and hammering the opponent's backhand with his powerful lefty forehand. Simon, who holds a 1-8 record against the Spaniard, earned his sole victory against him on the indoor courts of Madrid back in 2008.
Simon detailed Nadal's mental approach, noting that when things go south, he defaults to a high-percentage game plan. He generates massive power through his drives and targets the opponent's weaker side with intensity. After assessing the opponent's reaction, he shifts into an offensive gear. Simon remarked that Nadal plays with an intensity that suggests everything is on the line.
The Frenchman further explained that this methodical build-up is what allows Nadal to maintain his endurance over long matches. He also observed that the Big 3 share an extraordinary level of self-belief, a confidence forged through years of consistent dominance on the tour.
Ultimately, Simon believes the Big 3 simply operate on a different level than everyone else. He attributes their unshakable confidence to the sheer volume of trophies they've won, which creates a positive psychological loop.
He noted that even in junior circuits, winning a few matches in a row boosts confidence, but for the Big 3, this is magnified on a global scale. Beyond their skill, Simon praised Nadal's quiet generosity toward fellow players, noting that the Spaniard helps others without seeking media attention. Meanwhile, tennis fans are gearing up for the new season, with an exhibition match in Adelaide serving as the final stop before the players head to Melbourne.
Also, Rafael Nadal has an alternate method of going about with regards to helping fellow players, and he doesn’t value advertising such things to the public and media.
Regardless, it is the beginning of another season that is at the forefront of every fan’s thoughts who loves this sport. On Friday, the players will play an exhibition match in Adelaide before departing to Melbourne.