NEW YORK — To defeat Novak Djokovic on a single surface is a significant achievement, but to best the Serbian on hard, clay, and grass courts is a testament to a player’s all-around talent. This exclusive club of just five players represents some of the greatest to have ever played the game, with three legends and two rising stars. Here is a look at each of them.
Roger Federer
The Swiss maestro was a defining rival of Djokovic from the early days of his career. Federer’s elegant, all-court game and powerful serve allowed him to find success against Djokovic on every surface. Of their 50 career meetings, 38 were on hard courts where Djokovic holds a slight edge. However, Federer’s wins on clay and grass—including a crucial semi-final victory at Roland Garros in 2011 and a Wimbledon semi-final win in 2012—are a testament to his versatility and his place in the “Big Three” rivalry.
Rafael Nadal
As the “King of Clay,” Rafael Nadal has an unrivaled record against Djokovic on the red dirt, holding a dominant 20-9 lead on the surface. But his ability to defeat Djokovic on hard and grass courts is what solidifies his place in this elite group. The two have played some of the sport’s most memorable matches, including an epic 2018 Wimbledon semi-final that Djokovic won, and a tie in their grass-court head-to-head at 2-2. Their hard-court rivalry has been equally intense, with Djokovic holding the advantage.
Andy Murray
The British star fought his way into the “Big Four,” a testament to his relentless defense and tactical brilliance. While Djokovic holds a commanding 25-11 career head-to-head record against Murray, the Scot managed to secure key victories over him on all three surfaces. This includes his iconic 2013 Wimbledon final triumph and a hard-court victory in the 2012 US Open final. His wins on grass and hard courts are particularly notable, showcasing his ability to compete with Djokovic at the highest level of the sport.
Jannik Sinner
The Italian phenom has rapidly ascended to the top of the game, becoming a generational rival to Carlos Alcaraz. Sinner has made a clear statement by joining this exclusive club. He defeated Djokovic on grass in the 2025 Wimbledon final, on hard court in the 2024 Australian Open semifinals, and on clay at the French Open in 2025. Sinner’s precise, powerful game has proven to be a tough matchup for Djokovic, and his presence on this list signals a changing of the guard in men’s tennis.
Carlos Alcaraz
At just 22 years old, Carlos Alcaraz has already cemented his place in the exclusive club. The Spaniard’s dynamic, all-court game and fearless approach have led to wins over Djokovic on every surface. This includes a hard-court victory in the semi-finals of the 2025 US Open and his memorable win over Djokovic in the 2024 Wimbledon final. His success in a short period of time is a clear sign that the rivalry between him and Jannik Sinner is the new dominant force in men’s tennis, following in the footsteps of the legends who came before them.
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