Marcos Baghdatis: Why Djokovic was his ultimate nemesis compared to Nadal and Federer

Marcos Baghdatis may not have won a Grand Slam, but he certainly left his mark on men’s tennis. The Cypriot star, known for his fiery personality and thrilling shot-making, had a career filled with memorable highs, including a 2006 Australian Open final and a Wimbledon semi-final, and tough battles against some of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. But when asked to name the toughest opponent he ever faced, Baghdatis didn’t hesitate: Novak Djokovic.

Baghdatis’s career spanned some of the most competitive years in men’s tennis, a golden era dominated by the so-called “Big Three": Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. He competed against all three multiple times and even claimed victories over Federer and Nadal. Yet Djokovic, he said, was on another level entirely.

When you look at Baghdatis’s head-to-head record against the sport’s elite, the statistics tell a story. He faced Federer 10 times and Nadal nine, winning one match against each in 2010, Indian Wells for Federer and Cincinnati for Nadal. Against Djokovic, however, it was a different story. Baghdatis never won. Not once. Across eight meetings from 2007 to 2015, the Cypriot was 0‑8.

Baghdatis’s explanation for Djokovic being the toughest is simple, yet telling: “I never beat him," he said to Tennis 35. But it’s not just about the numbers. Baghdatis recalls matches where he managed to take a set off Djokovic, including in Grand Slam encounters, yet even in those moments, the feeling of being able to challenge him fully never arrived. “With Federer and Nadal, I always felt I could find a way to challenge them,” he said. “With Djokovic, that never happened. He just seemed to have all the answers.”

One particular match stands out in Baghdatis’s memory: the 2015 Indian Wells Masters, where Djokovic defeated him. "I felt like the guy gave me a lesson,” Baghdatis recalled. “You realize you are up against someone who is not just strong, but nearly impossible to outthink.” For Baghdatis, Djokovic represented a mental and tactical wall that he simply couldn’t climb, a puzzle he never solved.

While Djokovic proved to be the toughest, Baghdatis had deep respect for Federer and Nadal. He acknowledged the unique challenges they presented but found them, in some ways, more approachable. Against Federer, Baghdatis enjoyed the thrill of facing a player whose style was so elegant it seemed almost effortless. Against Nadal, he faced the relentless intensity and ferocious topspin that defined the Spaniard’s career. In both cases, Baghdatis believed he could find weaknesses, exploit them, and win, and he did, once each.

This was a time in tennis history when top-level competition was intense. Players like Juan Martín del Potro, Stan Wawrinka, Marin Čilić, David Ferrer, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and Tomáš Berdych were all capable of deep runs in major tournaments. Baghdatis’s era demanded not only technical skill but also tactical intelligence and mental resilience. The fact that Djokovic stood out even among these giants speaks volumes about his dominance.

Baghdatis’s reflections also highlight the psychological element of tennis. Facing Federer and Nadal, he felt he could devise strategies and fight his way to a win. Against Djokovic, the Cypriot felt a different kind of pressure: an intangible sense that no matter what he tried, Djokovic had already anticipated it. This mental hurdle made every match a unique challenge, one that left a lasting impression on Baghdatis long after the rallies ended.

Despite the struggles against Djokovic, Baghdatis’s career is celebrated for his passion and resilience. His battles against the Big Three and other top players showcased a fearless competitor who brought excitement and emotion to the court. He proved that even players who aren’t consistently at the very top can leave a memorable legacy by challenging greatness and giving fans unforgettable moments.

For Baghdatis, Djokovic was a benchmark, the player who pushed him to the limit and highlighted the elite standard of the era. Yet it was these very challenges that made Baghdatis a better player, forcing him to evolve his game and adapt to the highest level of competition. His career is a reminder that tennis greatness is measured not only by titles but also by the battles fought against the sport’s best.

Ultimately, Baghdatis’s story is one of admiration, respect, and the thrill of competition. Facing Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal allowed him to test his limits, and in doing so, he carved out his own place in tennis history. For fans and aspiring players alike, his reflections serve as a vivid reminder: sometimes the toughest opponents are the ones who teach you the most, even if you never beat them.