“Sam Querrey Reveals Why Roger Federer’s US Open Legacy Totally Outshines Djokovic and Nadal!”

Former ATP No. 11 Sam Querrey believes that Roger Federer’s legacy at the US Open stands above those of his fellow “Big 3” members, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal are widely regarded as the most dominant trio in the history of sports, having collectively won 66 of the last 82 Grand Slam tournaments. Among these, their performances at the US Open have led to 13 Major titles—Federer with five and Djokovic and Nadal with four each.

Following the conclusion of the 2024 US Open, the Nothing Major Podcast hosts Sam Querrey, John Isner, Jack Sock, and Steve Johnson were asked by a fan to choose which of the Big 3 has the greatest legacy at Flushing Meadows. Jack Sock quickly chose Federer, citing his memorable night matches as “iconic.”

Querrey echoed this sentiment, recalling Federer’s legendary passing tweener shot against Djokovic in the 2009 semifinals in New York. “Federer’s legacy is way beyond Novak and Rafa at the US Open. He always played at night, and the crowd loved him. That iconic tweener against Novak is unforgettable,” said Querrey, noting that Federer defeated Djokovic 7-6(3), 7-5, 7-5 in that match.

John Isner added to the discussion by reminiscing about Federer’s all-black outfit during his title-winning run at the 2007 US Open, which was inspired by Star Wars’ Darth Vader. The US Open organizers even played Darth Vader’s theme song, “The Imperial March,” each time Federer walked onto the court that year.

Steve Johnson also highlighted Federer’s partnership with basketball legend Michael Jordan in creating a custom shoe inspired by the 1988 Air Jordan, which Federer wore during the 2014 US Open.

Querrey further supported his choice by mentioning Federer’s unmatched run at the US Open from 2004-2008. No ATP player has managed to defend the US Open title since Federer last did in 2008. Although Federer reached the finals again in 2009 and 2015, he fell short against Juan Martin del Potro and Novak Djokovic, respectively.