"It was something incredible": The only man to beat Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic in a row revisits his untouchable feat

Former World No. 3 David Nalbandian recently reflected on his singular record in tennis history: being the only player to defeat Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic in the same tournament. The Argentine claimed the 2007 Madrid Open title—played on indoor hardcourts at the time—by consecutively beating the three members of the "Big 3". Notably, he achieved this feat while they occupied the top three spots in the ATP rankings.

"King David," remembered for his exquisite two-handed backhand, admitted he did not realize the magnitude of the achievement until the week following his first Masters 1000 title. "It was something incredible. I didn't realize until Monday, when it ended, that that had happened," the South American acknowledged in a recent interview with New Balls Please. "When you are in a tournament like that, in that era, it was normal to play against them, and if you wanted to win the tournament you had to beat everyone."

Nalbandian's career highlights include reaching the 2002 Wimbledon final—where he lost to Lleyton Hewitt—and winning the now-defunct 2005 Tennis Masters Cup by defeating Roger Federer in the final. He finished five consecutive seasons inside the Top 10 and secured a total of 35 victories against Top 10 opponents. However, the best week of his career was undoubtedly at the 2007 Madrid Masters, overcoming one of the most difficult draws ever seen to lift the trophy.

"It was like their best moment, or practically the best moment of the three. You always played, at least with two, always. It was normal," the Argentine added. "Well, I was lucky to be able to beat all three in a row in the same week. Of course, it was something incredible and it is not going to happen again. But yes, in that era it was very hard. We were used to playing against them."

Just weeks later, at the 2007 Paris Masters, Nalbandian won the title again, once more defeating Federer (No. 1) and Nadal (No. 2). In the span of a month, he beat Federer twice and Nadal twice. It was, perhaps, the best month of tennis a mortal has ever played against the Big 3.

Another topic touched upon by the Argentine was the eruption of Brazilian Joao Fonseca on the tour, giving renewed hope to South American tennis of having a player who can be a protagonist among the best. The 19-year-old Brazilian has already reached World No. 23 and has emerged as perhaps the most exciting name among the new generation of tennis players.

"He is a great player. There is no doubt about that. He is still a very young player, where I think everything he achieved is a lot. And he can continue achieving many more things because he can improve much more still," commented the former World No. 3. "He has a lot of potential and can achieve many things, without a doubt, because he has the potential and is still a very young boy."

"This is great, not only for Brazilian tennis but for South American tennis. It is great. And hopefully, many other young players can imitate him and get encouraged," added the Argentine. "Today they hit a bit harder, they hit the ball harder in general. And maybe they don't have as much tactical concept of the game or the play, or what they are going to do. I think [Fonseca] has a better forehand than me. Backhand, maybe not so much. And he serves very well. So I think he has many qualities to keep improving."