Andy Murray has confessed that playing Rafael Nadal on clay was tougher than facing Roger Federer on grass. Known as the King of Clay, Nadal retired at the end of 2024 with 22 Grand Slams to his name – 14 of which coming on the hard courts of the French Open.
Currently leading the tournament in terms of titles won, nobody has ever come close to toppling Nadal’s tally at the major championship – with Max Decguis’ collection of eight titles from the tournament in the early 1900s remaining the second highest total in history. Meanwhile, only one of Federer’s 20 Grand Slam titles came at the tournament – beating Robin Soderling in 2009’s final. And while there are a number of factors to consider when weighing up who is the most skilled player of the two, Murray was quick to answer who he felt proved a tougher battle in conversation with the Fore Bros YouTube channel.
Asked by Ronan Moloney: “Who was the tougher opponent – Nadal on clay or Federer on grass?” Murray hesitated only slightly before replying: “I’d say Nadal on clay was the hardest. Yeah, definitely.”
When probed if there was much difference playing Nadal on grass than clay in a follow-up question, the 38-year-old added that it was “very different”.
Murray and Nadal faced one another 24 times in total throughout the course of their respective tennis careers, with the Scot only coming out on top on seven occasions.
Murray and Federer faced off 25 times, meanwhile, with Federer winning 14 of those matches and remaining unbeaten in their last five.
Widely considered to be one of the greatest British talents of all time in the world of tennis, Murray retired from the sport following the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris with three Grand Slams and two gold medals to his name.
It comes as Novak Djokovic is the last of the Four Kings – a nickname given to himself, Murray, Nadal and Federer for their dominance and consistency in the sport – still standing in the world of tennis.
With a record 24 Grand Slams to his name, the Serbian star will hope to add a fourth French Open title to his glistening trophy cabinet later this month.
After beating Mackenzie McDonald in his opening round, the 38-year-old has got the better of Corentin Moutet, Filip Misolic and Cameron Norrie to make it to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
He will next face Alexander Zverev at the Court Philippe-Chatrier at 7:15pm on Wednesday with hopes of meeting either world No.1 Jannik Sinner or Alexander Bublik in the semis.