Tennis player nicknames are very common, just like they are in any other sport. Often, these creative and witty alter-egos provide fans with a reflection of a player's style or personality.
Many players are also synonymous with tennis fans from different generations and the nicknames bring memories back of famous moments or incidents. Whether it was John McEnroe's infamous outbursts or Rafael Nadal's long-term dominance at Roland Garros, tennis players earn nicknames for a reason.
These are some of the most well-known nicknames for current and former ATP professionals and the reasons why they are known by their aliases.
Novak Djokovic - Nole
Novak Djokovic is known for tormenting opponents and for being a psychological stalwart on the tennis court. But he is still often referred to by his affectionate nickname 'Nole'.
The exact origin of the 36-year-old's nickname has never been verified, but a few possibilities exist. First is that it's a Serbian simplification of his name 'Novak' that his close friends and family have used.
However, another explanation comes from family relations. It is believed that Djokovic's grandfather used to use the nickname 'Nole' when the 24-time Grand Slam winner was a child.
While 'Nole' is Djokovic's longest and most used nickname, he has been bestowed with others throughout his career. Some have referred to the Serbian player as the 'Djoker' in reference to the Batman villain, although, this has not been used as widely as Djokovic's long-term nickname of 'Nole'.
Roger Federer - FedEx
The Roger Federer 'FedEx' nickname has widely been used by pundits and spectators to refer to the former ATP great. However, the exact reasoning behind the nickname has no real origin or exact meaning other than it uses Federer's surname to reference the famous international delivery company.
The link between Federer and FedEx serves up several potential meanings to refer to the Swiss player's famous style of play. One is that he always delivered, no matter what the occasion, another is that he is clinical and efficient stroke play, like the regularity of a FedEx delivery.
Rafael Nadal - King of Clay
While some nicknames reference childhood, style of play, or a personality quirk, Rafael Nadal's alias 'The King of Clay' is based on merit alone.
Before his recent injury difficulties and surgery in the 2023 season, Rafael Nadal dominated the clay court competitions for nearly two decades. Throughout his career, the 37-year-old has won a record 14 titles at Roland Garros and 63 singles titles on clay.
Due to Nadal's exceptional and unrivalled success on clay courts, he has been assigned the title of 'King of Clay' - a nickname that may never be challenged by any other player.
John McEnroe - Superbrat
Some players never manage to shake their hot heated approach from their playing days and John McEnroe's 'Superbrat' label is one that has stuck with the former American great for a lifetime.
Today, McEnroe is an accomplished pundit, offering thoughtful insight into the game. But his measured on-camera persona couldn't be further from his playing approach in the 1970s and 80s.
On the court, the seven-time Grand Slam champion was well known for his legendary outbursts, confrontation, and select choice of words. Inevitably, due to his ability to kick off at any time over the smallest of margins, McEnroe was labelled with the not-so-endearing nickname of 'Superbrat'.
Bjorn Borg - The Ice Man
In contrast to McEnroe's hotheadedness, the American's rival Bjorn Borg was cool, calm and collected. Borg's calm exterior and Swedish background meant he was often referred to as 'The Ice Man'.
In the biggest moments, Borg was often able to control his temper, especially when opponents like McEnroe were whipping up a frenzy around him. But it was also his graceful style of play and swagger that added to the 'Ice Man' image.
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