The Wimbledon men’s singles draw has been made, with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer on opposite halves and each set to play intriguing first round opponents – a British wild card in Jack Draper for Novak, a wily lefty in Adrian Mannarino for Roger. Gill, Amy and Joel break it down and also take both a macro look at all the history and mystery that will make this year’s edition of The Championships exceptionally compelling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 25, 2021•39 min•Ep. 49
Rafael Nadal announced he won't play Wimbledon or the Olympics in 2021. "It’s never an easy decision to take but after listening to my body and discuss it with my team I understand that it is the right decision," Nadal said. "The goal is to prolong my career and continue to do what makes me happy, that is to compete at the highest level and keep fighting for those professional and personal goals at he maximum level of competition." Gill, Joel and Amy react to Rafa's decision. Plus, Roger Federer...
Jun 17, 2021•38 min•Ep. 48
Novak Djokovic wins his 19th Grand Slam Championship at Roland Garros with a come-from-behind, 5-set victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas. Djokovic becomes the only player of the Big 3 to win each Grand Slam at least twice. This French Open championship also puts the calendar-year Grand Slam in play, as Djokovic also won this year’s Australian Open. Joel, Amy and Gill discuss the Djokovic run at Roland Garros as well as the physical and tactical brilliance of the Serbian superstar. Learn more about y...
Jun 13, 2021•32 min•Ep. 47
The 58th edition of the Rafa vs. Novak saga was a blockbuster – first-rate shot-making, unsurpassed court coverage, tons of drama and even government intervention. We break it all down and look ahead to what could be yet another notable chapter in the epic journey of tennis’ triumphant trio. SF Djokovic def. Nadal F Djokovic vs. Tsitsipas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 12, 2021•34 min
Though slightly tested in their Roland Garros quarterfinal matches, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have advanced and are now set to meet in the semis – Chapter 58 of this epic rivalry. We break down the Xs and Os, as well as dig into the plot points of their Roland Garros saga. QF Rafael Nadal def. Diego Schwartzman Novak Djokovic def. Matteo Berrettini SF Djokovic vs. Nadal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 10, 2021•47 min•Ep. 45
While Roger Federer has left Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have now made their way into the quarterfinals. Each faced early challenges from teenaged Italians, Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti, but eventually emerged triumphant. Gill, Amy and Joel break down what happened and look ahead to their next matches. They also dig into some insightful research Amy conducted for a recent story she just published. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 07, 2021•47 min
Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal all advanced past the 3rd round at the 2021 French Open. Federer survived a late-night thriller against Dominik Koepfer in an empty Chatrier. Nadal beat Cameron Norrie in a match with continued debate about the time between points. Djokovic rolled past Ricardas Berankis. Strategy, storylines and next round Roland Garros opponents are discussed. R3 Djokovic def. Berankis Nadal def. Norrie Federer def. Koepfer R4 Djokovic vs. Musetti Nadal vs. Sinner ...
Jun 06, 2021•45 min•Ep. 43
Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal all advance in their 2nd round matches at the 2021 French Open. Federer survives an eventful match against Marin Cilic in which Federer was issued a highly unusual time violation warning as a returner. The use of the drop shot by Djokovic is discussed following his win over Pablo Cuevas. Nadal beat Richard Gasquet in a match of contrasting styles. The Roland Garros 3rd round matches for Djokovic, Nadal and Federer are also previewed. Federer def. Ci...
Jun 04, 2021•45 min•Ep. 42
As the 2021 edition of Roland-Garros gets underway, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer all began their title quests. In this episode of “Three,” Gill Gross, Amy Lundy, and Joel Drucker explore what happened in each man’s opening match – and also explore their second round matchups, including one rivalry that goes all the way back to childhood. Round one: Federer def. Denis Istomin Nadal def. Alexei Popyrin Djokovic def. Tennys Sandgren Round two: Djokovic vs. Pablo Cuevas Nadal vs. R...
Jun 02, 2021•42 min•Ep. 41
Rafael Nadal, a 13-time French Open champion, has landed in the same half of the 2021 Roland Garros Draw as the other two members of the Big 3 in men’s tennis: Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. It’s the first time in history that Nadal, Djokovic and Federer have been in the same side of a Grand Slam draw. Joel, Amy and Gill examine the ramifications for Nadal and Djokovic as well as potential matchups. They also look at the prospects for Federer this French Open. Three is a tennis show about Rog...
May 27, 2021•26 min•Ep. 40
Rafael Nadal met Novak Djokovic for the 57th time in a clash of two of the Big 3 titans in men’s tennis. The scene was the final of the Internationali BNL d’Italia in Rome, and ATP Masters 1000 event. It was an up-and-down three set triumph for Nadal over Djokovic. Joel Drucker, Amy Lundy and Gill Gross discuss the larger picture for what this championship means for Rafa, as well as tactics used by both Nadal and Djokovic. Roger Federer’s draw in this week’s Geneva Open is also discussed, includ...
May 17, 2021•42 min•Ep. 29
Rafael Nadal's title drought at Madrid continued with a quarterfinal loss to Alexander Zverev. The German has defeated the Spaniard three times consecutively, but we discuss how conditions could explain it. We also have a look at the newly-minted Rome Masters draw, with Novak Djokovic eyeing a potential rematch with Dan Evans and Nadal looking at another potential Jannik Sinner meeting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 08, 2021•29 min•Ep. 38
Coaching in an individual sport like tennis takes on a shape all its own. We begin an in-depth discussion of the Big Three and their coaches, starting with a look at Rafael Nadal and the man who helped him reach the top, his uncle Toni. We also touch on Novak Djokovic and his clay court schedule, all on the latest episode of "Three." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 05, 2021•29 min
Homeland heroes Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal fought hard this week in native Belgrade and Barcelona. Each finished with epics – but different outcomes. We talk through how that affects each man’s path on the road to Roland Garros. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 26, 2021•35 min•Ep. 36
Novak Djokovic lost 2nd round to Dan Evans and Rafael Nadal was defeated in the quarterfinal by eventual finalist Andrey Rublev. Gill, Amy and Joel explain why they aren't concerned for the duo's 2021 clay prospects, how their career stages contribute to such losses, and what their opponents did tactically in order to come through. Then, they continue their stroke-by-stroke analysis of the Big Three, by tackling the drop shot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 18, 2021•38 min•Ep. 35
Monte Carlo is here, and with it will come clay court tennis. Does this mean more suffering on the tennis court? Rafael Nadal might say so. Gill, Joel and Amy discuss the merits of suffering in tennis for professional and recreational players. They also take a look at the Monte Carlo draw, with Novak Djokovic and Nadal on opposite sides. Can the two meet in the final? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 12, 2021•34 min•Ep. 34
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic would not be the great champions they are without exceptional forehands. Gill, Joel and Amy discuss how that shot has affected their careers and what recreational players can take from each. They also take a trip down memory lane to discuss the most important matches between the Big 3 at the Miami Masters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 02, 2021•36 min•Ep. 33
For three unique reasons, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are absent from the Miami Masters 1000 event. Gill, Joel and Amy break down the outlook on the remainder of the season for each. Plus, Vasek Pospisil's public incident has shed light on behind the scenes drama in the ATP. Does Djokovic's PTPA have new life? And where is the sport of tennis leaving money on the table? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 26, 2021•32 min•Ep. 32
After 14 months out of competition 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer returned to tour action in Doha this week. In his first match back, he defeated crafty Englishman Dan Evans. He fell to Nikoloz Basilishvili in the next round. Gill, Joel and Amy discuss what can be learned from the first glimpse of Federer since knee surgery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 13, 2021•33 min•Ep. 31
Novak Djokovic sets a major record- the most weeks ever at pole position of the ATP rankings. Roger Federer returns to competition in Doha after more than a year off. And how do each of the Big Three effectively deploy tennis' most important shot -- the serve? Amy Lundy, Joel Drucker and Gill Gross address these topics on the latest episode of "Three -- A Show About Federer, Djokovic and Nadal." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 07, 2021•44 min•Ep. 30
Novak Djokovic wins the 2021 Australian Open in a dominating straight sets win over Daniil Medvedev. Djokovic captures his 9th Australian Open and his stunning 18th Grand Slam overall. How did Djokovic beat Medvedev? Joel Drucker, Amy Lundy and Gill Gross give their thoughts on how Djokovic took apart a caving Medvedev down under. In addition, the journalists discuss the big picture of this performance by Djokovic in the context of some of his other finals, including against Rafael Nadal. Learn ...
Feb 21, 2021•47 min•Ep. 29
Rafael Nadal is eliminated from the 2021 Australian Open after giving up a 2-0 lead to Greek #6 Stefanos Tsitsipas. On Ep. 28 of Three, Gill, Joel and Amy discuss Nadal's heartbreaking exit. Plus, Serena Williams was asked about retirement again after losing to Naomi Osaka in the semifinal; is it appropriate to press players on retirement? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 19, 2021•32 min•Ep. 28
Novak Djokovic withstands a five-set scare to American Taylor Fritz in the 3rd round of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia. But Djokovic does not exit the battle unharmed after he slips on the Melbourne letters and injures his oblique. Joel Drucker, Amy Lundy and Gill Gross discuss the latest Djokovic development as well as Rafael Nadal and his current injury situation as Nadal prepares to face Cameron Norrie at the Australian Open. The Grand Slam tally is touched upon, including Roger ...
Feb 12, 2021•35 min•Ep. 27
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are the top two seeds yet again at the 2021 Australian Open. Gill, Joel and Amy discuss their draws, especially first week opposition. Djokovic is in a section with Taylor Fritz, Reilly Opelka, Milos Raonic, Stan Wawrinka and Alexander Zverev. Rafael Nadal is grouped with Dan Evans, Alex De Minaur, Mateo Berrettini and Stefanos Tsitsipas. They also discuss the merits of draw look-aheads. Also, what to make of Rafael Nadal's stiff back and Novak Djokovic's play at ...
Feb 07, 2021•35 min•Ep. 26
As the 2021 ATP Cup approaches, Gill, Joel and Amy discuss the role of team events in the Big 3's careers. Topics include the fall of Davis Cup and 2019 format change, the meaning of Davis Cup titles in each of their careers, which of the Big 3 is the best doubles player, Roger Federer's introduction of Laver Cup, a preview of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic's incoming matches at the ATP Cup, and a brief discussion on the fairness of ATP Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/...
Jan 28, 2021•30 min•Ep. 25
Six of the top tennis players in the world, including Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, have arrived in Adelaide (South Australia) to begin preparations for the 2021 Australian Open. Meanwhile, controversy builds in Melbourne, where well over 50 players are being forced to quarantine for 14 days after coronavirus cases were detected on multiple charter flights to Australia. The small elite group in Adelaide avoided that risk, and stand to benefit from increased training time and larger entourages...
Jan 18, 2021•28 min•Ep. 24
On Ep. 22 of Three, Gill Joel and Amy discuss height and tennis. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal stand at 6 foot 1, while Novak Djokovic is only one inch taller; is this the golden height of tennis? Why has there never been a world #1 taller than Marat Safin at 6 foot 4, and how soon might that change? Finally, Gill Joel and Amy choose their ideal heights for tennis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 12, 2021•26 min•Ep. 23
The 2021 tennis season is upon us, and with it comes another year of the Big 3. Gill, Joel and Amy discuss longevity; how Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have all maintained an elite level of tennis well into their thirties. But first, they react to the news that Federer will miss the Australian Open in order to continue recovering from knee surgery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 05, 2021•32 min•Ep. 22
On Ep. 21 of Three, Gill, Joel and Amy begin stroke by stroke conversations about Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, starting with the backhand. The three discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the one-handed backhand versus the doublehander. What makes Novak's backhand so special? Does Federer's backhand take too much heat? What is to be made of Nadal's lesser-discussed wing? It's all here. First, a quick news update on Roger Federer's status for the 2021 Australian Open. Learn more about your a...
Dec 29, 2020•30 min•Ep. 21
The 2021 Australian Open approaches, albeit moved back to February, and Roger Federer could be making his return from knee surgery. That's a familiar situation for the Swiss, who faced the same situation in 2017 and delivered with an improbable title run in Melbourne. What were the ingredients of Federer's resurgent run, and how are things different or the same in 2021? What might Federer improve technically and can he recapture the same magic mentally? Gill, Joel and Amy discuss... Learn more a...
Dec 18, 2020•28 min•Ep. 20
