"Falls short against power of TRINITY" - Federer & Nadal's Louis Vuitton campaign 'missed the target' due to Djokovic's exclusion, says Paul McNamee

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's recent campaign for Louis Vuitton took the tennis community by storm, generating widespread excitement and joy. However, former Australian player Paul McNamee expressed a different opinion, arguing that the campaign missed the mark by not including Novak Djokovic.

Federer and Nadal reunited in spectacular fashion in Louis Vuitton's latest 'Core Values' campaign, posing against the stunning backdrop of Italy's Dolomites for renowned American photographer Annie Leibovitz.

The behind-the-scenes footage of the shoot showcased the duo embarking on a mountain trek and getting the opportunity to experience the 22-time Grand Slam champion's first snowfall together. They also shared insights into their first impressions of each other, their legacies and sporting idols.

Amid fans' excitement about Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's legendary reunion, Paul McNamee expressed his belief that while the 'Fedal' duo was incredible, it fell short of the "intrinsic power" of the "trinity," which included Novak Djokovic.

The Australian suggested that Louis Vuitton "missed the mark" by omitting Djokovic, asserting that bringing together the three greatest players in history would've created a more compelling narrative.

"FEDAL is amazing, but it ultimately falls short against the intrinsic power of the TRINITY, which links not two of the three, but the three greatest players in history. So for me LV missed the target, as the TRINITY is a far more potent narrative," he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

McNamee recently also defended Djokovic against the perception of being divisive and insincere, especially compared to Federer and Nadal. He argued that the Serb's popularity among his fellow players proves that reality is quite different.

"Djokovic is variously described as divisive and insincere. Of course, that’s from people who don’t know him," Paul McNamee wrote on X. "If you want the reality, ask the locker room. That’s where he is the MAN… highly respected and popular. So perhaps check with his peers?"

---

"There was no room for three" - Novak Djokovic on his lesser popularity compared to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic (from left to right)

Novak Djokovic has acknowledged that he doesn't enjoy the same level of popularity compared to arch-rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

The Serb cited Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's celebrated rivalry as an example of how sporting rivalries typically center around two players, stating that there's no room for him amid Federer and Nadal's duopoly on tour.

"Yeah, there was no room for three. All the most celebrated rivalries in sport, all the romantic novels, it’s always two people, not three. In football it’s Ronaldo or Messi. So I understand that’s probably one of the reasons why (I was on the outside)," he told The Times.

The World No. 1 also suggested that his Eastern European background played a role in his lower popularity. Furthermore, Djokovic asserted that his bold declarations about wanting to surpass the Swiss legend and Nadal didn't endear him to fans.

"I didn’t come from a western country. I don’t come from that world, and I was not afraid to say I wanted to beat these guys, to be No 1. I said this when I was a teenager. I think a lot of people did not like that, including them (Federer and Nadal), so right away I was kept outside and judged a lot, maybe not liked as much as them," he said.

"It was also due to my attitude, saying I am better than them, I will be the best. I knew someone with this kind of mindset would be polarising. One group of people will say, ‘I like the confidence.’ Others will think, ‘Look at this arrogant prick.’ That’s how it was, really polarising," he added.