David Nalbandian describes the pressure-packed life of the pro circuit as "a permanent madness."
The former world No. 3 says the Big 3—Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer—share a key quality that's helped them sustain success: persistent passion.
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In an interview with Argentinean website Pagina12.com, former Wimbledon finalist Nalbandian said he's most impressed by Big 3 desire and determination.
"They are unique. For the number of years they must be the only three in history who have been playing for so long," Nalbandian said. "So much time and at that level. It's amazing, because one was in there and knows the sacrifice it requires. Is awesome. They have had luck with the injuries, because they had relatively few. Rafa suffered more than Nole and Roger but still there, also with a more limited calendar.
"They are also helped by the condition of Europeans, as we speak; With that I don't tell you that they earn many years but two or three years in fifteen add up. The most admirable are the motivation and the desire that they have to remain stuck up there."
The Big 3 have combined to claim 13 consecutive Grand Slam championships. Overall, they have won a combined 56 major titles.
Nalbandian, who topped Federer in a classic 2005 ATP Finals championship match, said one reason for continuing Big 3 dominance is they're smarter and more complete than some of the grip-and-rip challengers chasing them.
"What I do see is that the youngest have a tennis with much more power but with much less tactics and much less head," Nalbandian said. "That's where the biggest make a difference. Only now there is a little better litter that appears to beat them but I still see them a step back."
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