Two decades of dominance. The defining moments that shaped three legendary careers and an entire era of tennis.
At 21, Federer wins his debut Wimbledon without dropping a set — the start of an unprecedented grass-court dynasty.
Claims the top ranking for the first time, beginning a run he would hold for a record 237 consecutive weeks.
Wins in Melbourne, holding three of the four Slams in his sights and cementing himself as the dominant force in tennis.
A 17-year-old Nadal shocks Federer in Miami — the first shot fired in what becomes tennis's greatest rivalry.
Wins the French Open at 19, dropping just one set all tournament. An era of clay dominance begins.
Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open — one of the most dominant single-season performances in Open Era history.
Dominant title defense on clay, asserting himself as the undisputed king of the surface.
The young Serbian breaks into the top 20, signaling a future contender has arrived on tour.
Equals Björn Borg's record of five straight Wimbledon titles — widely regarded as the pinnacle of his grass dominance.
Djokovic reaches the US Open final, losing to Federer but announcing himself as a future Slam contender.
Ending Federer's reign in near-darkness after 4h 48m, Nadal wins what many call the greatest tennis match ever played.
Wins singles gold in Beijing, completing one leg of the Career Golden Slam.
Beats Federer in the SF and Tsonga in the final to claim his first Major title at just 20 years old.
Defeating Robin Söderling — who had just beaten Nadal — Federer completes the Career Grand Slam and wins his 14th Major.
Wins his first hard-court Slam. An emotional Federer breaks down during the runner-up speech in one of tennis's most human moments.
A US Open title makes Nadal only the seventh man in history to complete the Career Grand Slam.
Three Slams, a 43-0 start to the year, and victories over both rivals multiple times. The greatest single season in Open Era history.
A sixth French Open, defeating Federer who had just ended Djokovic's legendary win streak in the semifinal.
A 5-hour 53-minute war against Nadal — the longest Grand Slam final in history — goes to Djokovic in five brutal sets.
At 30, Federer wins his 7th Wimbledon and 17th Slam, briefly reclaiming the World No. 1 ranking.
Returning from a career-threatening knee injury, Nadal wins two Slams and reclaims World No. 1 in one of sport's great comebacks.
A ninth French Open cements his status as the greatest clay court player the sport has ever seen.
Defeats Federer in a five-set Centre Court final for his second Wimbledon championship.
Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open in a single year — the peak of two years of near-total dominance over the tour.
Completes the Career Grand Slam and holds all four Slam trophies simultaneously — the first man to do so since Rod Laver.
After six months off with a knee injury, Federer returns at 35 to win two more Slams with breathtaking artistry.
A record 10th French Open (La Decima) and a US Open title. Nadal reclaims World No. 1 in a stunning resurgence.
Wins in Melbourne for his 20th Major — a record that seemed untouchable, set at 36 years of age.
Returning from elbow surgery, Djokovic wins two Slams in the second half of the season in one of tennis's great recoveries.
Saves two match points at 8-7 in the 5th to defeat Federer in the longest Wimbledon final ever played. An unforgettable night.
A 12th French Open and US Open double — his 19th Slam, closing in on Federer's then-record.
A dominant 13th French Open in straight sets over Djokovic — his 20th Major, matching Federer at the top of the all-time list.
Wins three Slams to match the then-record of 20 held by both Federer and Nadal, within touching distance of the summit.
Wins the Australian Open from two sets down in the final, then a 14th French Open — 22 Slams and a new all-time record.
Roger Federer announces his retirement from professional tennis. He bows out at the Laver Cup, with Nadal in tears by his side — a fitting end to a shared era.
Wins the US Open for his 24th Grand Slam title, standing alone as the most decorated Slam champion in the history of the sport.
Wins singles gold in Paris on clay at 37 years old, completing the Career Golden Slam — the final piece of an unmatched résumé.
Rafael Nadal retires from professional tennis at 38. His 14 Roland Garros titles and relentless spirit will never be forgotten.