The debate between fans of the Big 3 never dies down, often taking weird turns. In one such bizarre take, a fan on X (formerly Twitter) compared Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer to the likes of Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King, and Isaac Newton. Supporters of Novak Djokovic responded by drawing parallels between him and unheralded genius Nikola Tesla.
A self-proclaimed Jannik Sinner fan account on X said Djokovic would not be on Federer or Nadal’s level even if the current World No.1 ends up with 50 Grand Slams. The user said the latter two are like the great figures in history who transcended their fields and became global figures. The person further claimed there would never be such historical people ever again.
Djokovic could win 50 slams and he’d still fail to impress me like Federer and Nadal did.
They are up there with Einstein, Newton, M Luther King, Shakespeare etc.
They have transcended the sport to become universal icons.
Not even 10000 years of history could replicate them.
— Unbiased tennis fan (@sinnerprop) January 1, 2024
Understandably, while Fedal fans agreed, followers of Djokovic hit back. They compared the Serb to Tesla, a scientist who went unrecognised despite his great genius. Interestingly, the inventor was also ethnically Serbian, taking up American citizenship later in his life.
That’s how people felt about Thomas Edison until they realized/appreciated Tesla’s genius yeaaaars later popularity vs. legacy
— Dee (@HesNoDjoke) January 1, 2024
I believe you.
He is similar to his compatriot Nikola. Just like Tesla, his ingenuity was not appreciated because people weren’t ready. What he brought to tennis will improve future generations – physically, mentally, and as an organization, through PTPA.Love you , Nole. pic.twitter.com/W2U2Z9cqWP
— Neno (@Neno___None) January 1, 2024
Djokovic is more like his fellow Serb, Nikola Tesla. Awe inspiring to his contemporaries and revered as the greatest mind (or athlete in Novak’s case) in history to everyone else.
— AIwillendus (@cavale01) January 1, 2024
More fans mocked the original poster for the bizarre comparison of Federer and Nadal to Einstein, MLK Jr. etc.
You’re right – all those icons transcending their sports. I especially adore how Newton & King popularised cricket, not to mention what Shakespeare did for football. pic.twitter.com/GEvUmfDpzB
— barry aruba (@BarryAruba) January 1, 2024
Einstein and MLK as RF and Nadal????..O…M…G.. !!
You guys have lost it completely
— marramire (@marramirem5) January 1, 2024
Einstein? Grow up
— Thomas (@boyhairdresser) January 1, 2024
I get Fedal fans are trying everything to stay relevant but you putting them in the same level as Martin Luther King? Really?? Come on!!!
— ❤️Fez (@mbali_Djokofan) January 2, 2024
I think you forgot Mandela in the list
This tweet is so over the top it’s genius. Thanks for the good laugh!— New Kid in Riot Town (@NuKidinRiotTown) January 2, 2024
First, hyperbolic delusion on a grand scale, comparing them to the men listed. Second, it’s about winning. Otherwise, these words would never have been spoken. Nadal: “I would like to hold the record for most GS title”
— Belthazar (@Belthazar13) January 1, 2024
Novak Djokovic is a staunch admirer of Nikola Tesla
Novak Djokovic has long admired Nikola Tesla and reportedly had even named his dog after the scientist. In 2015, he took to X to commemorate Tesla’s birth anniversary. He also visited the Tesla Science Centre in Long Island after his 2019 US Open campaign, penning a long caption in honour of the brilliant mind in an Instagram post.
During an Instagram live in 2020, Djokovic professed his admiration for Tesla (via Essentially Sports). He credited the pioneer of AC current for every piece of wireless technology we have today.
“One of the people that I admire a lot in my life and I feel that even though I have not lived in his era that has left a huge legacy for all of us; his name is Nikola Tesla, obviously.”
Djokovic also disclosed one of Tesla’s quotes that he lives by.
“One of his quotes, actually, that stick with me always is that “One must be sane to think clearly. But one can think deeply and be quite insane.””
Hailing from the same country, Tesla and Djokovic have often been compared. While the scientist did not garner a lot of attention during his living years, Djokovic has found more widespread acceptance as the GOAT of tennis, especially after his 24th Grand Slam win.
