GOAT Racquet Race: Analyzing the frames of the Big 3

WATCH: Djokovic is in pursuit of an eighth Wimbledon title this week, which would tie Roger Federer's record.

Their careers will forever be linked and scrutinized. Whether it be Grand Slam titles, head-to-head, best season or impact on the game, the list of dividing lines seems endless when it comes to comparing the accomplishments of the “Big 3” of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. One area that’s often overlooked in the GOAT Race is their racquets.

All three use challenging frames, designed for skilled, experienced players. And all three have their own unique playability, just like the men who wield them. Much like judging which player is deserving of the GOAT label, picking a favorite among their racquets is highly personal.

Which one would you choose?

Novak Djokovic: Head Speed Pro ($269) (Purchase now at TennisShop.com)

Of the three, only Djokovic doesn’t have his own signature frame. He’s been endorsing the Speed Pro for many years, but his preferred specs probably differ more greatly with the off-the-shelf version of the frame than those of his legendary counterparts. Most notably in the weight department, as Djokovic famously adds lots of lead tape to his frame, some of it plainly seen on the hoop.

That said, the Speed Pro is certainly made to suit the exacting needs of a player like Djokovic. Its 18x20 string pattern—the tightest of the trio—and high flexibility give it the most control-oriented response of the group. It’s also the easiest to accelerate, leaving much of the power production up to racquet head speed and clean hitting. The strings are spread wide enough to offer a respectable spin-window, but it excels at directing flat lasers into tight spots.

At net, the racquet’s fine control allows it to produce the full range of volleys. It’s a smooth handler with just enough weight and backbone to traffic in high speeds. The softer flex and comfortable response also mean it’s quite capable of sucking the pace out of incoming passing shots and play short in the court. All in all, a dependable and refined all-court performer.

Roger Federer: Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph ($219) (Purchase now at Tennis-Point.com)

In 2014, the tennis world went bananas when Roger Federer showed up on-court with a blacked-out prototype frame. It clearly had a bigger head (+7 sq. in.) and thicker beam (+4 mm) than his trusty 90 square-inch Pro Staff. Speculation swirled over what the new frame could be—was it a Blade?—before being revealed as a Pro Staff all Federer’s own.

In addition to its larger dimensions, the RF97 is also stiffer than his previous Pro Staff. Add it up, and it’s got more power, spin-potential and user-friendliness. This was most apparent on Federer’s backhand, giving him more margin for error and greater ability to go after the ball. The tradeoff for the more modern appeals is it’s less adept in the control and touch departments, which clearly didn’t bother Federer.

That said, the RF97 still comes with the familiar Pro Staff trappings of double braided graphite, perimeter weighting and a precise, connected response. It has the highest static weight (340g) in this group, giving it rock-solid stability, but its head-light balance makes it manageable to swing. Even with the updates, it remains a demanding racquet with a smallish sweet spot but a real shot-maker when you find it, capable of inflicting all manner of offense from all areas of the court.

Rafael Nadal: Babolat Pure Aero Rafa Origin ($329) (Purchase now at TennisShop.com)

The Aero franchise was essentially created with Nadal’s game in mind. With its thick, firm, variable beam, flattened throat and wide open string pattern, it’s tailor-made for putting heavy pace and spin on the ball. Each generation of the frame has seen give and take in its playability, but it remains an exceedingly popular racquet. Of the three, it probably appeals to the widest audience.

Released earlier this year, the Rafa Origin is not nearly as welcoming. It’s arguably the most demanding of the three frames. As its specs and technology closely mirrors Nadal’s very own frame, it’s built to put a real hurting on the ball. The racquet is stiffer and heavier than the standard Pure Aero, with a massive 370ish swingweight. Let it fly through the strike zone and it bulldozes contact, producing an exceedingly heavy ball that intimidates opponents.

Being a lot of racquet, it can be a chore to maneuver. And if you don’t generate enough spin for safety, it can be disobedient. It also has limited dampening features, as Nadal wants heightened feedback and ball feel, so you’ll clearly know when contact is off-center. An absolute brick wall at net, it easily blocks any volley deep in the court, with finesse shots being less natural.

But this racquet isn't about the finer points—just grip it, and rip it.