The GOAT debate has been ongoing for quite a few years in tennis now with the most exciting three-way rivalry in any sport. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have all dazzled fans with their supreme talent, astonishing mental fortitude and mind-boggling longevity. For the most part, the debate has hung on the question, who has the most Grand Slams. And now, with Novak Djokovic pulling away from his two rivals, fans and media alike have breathed new life into the debate.
In an interview with Tages Anzeiger, Roger Federer gave his take on whether he too now believes Novak Djokovic is the GOAT of tennis. He himself has a good claim to the throne, but the Swiss star wasn’t thinking of himself but rather two other players who could have a claim to the title.
Roger Federer brings up a surprise name in GOAT debate
Talking to Tages Anzeiger, Roger Federer addressed the GOAT question but not exactly with an answer many would have expected. Asked if Novak Djokovic now is the GOAT given his 23 Grand Slam titles, the former player unsurprisingly brought up Rafael Nadal’s name. But the second player that he mentioned was that of Boris Becker!
The 20-time Grand Slam champion suggested that it is difficult to choose between Becker winning Wimbledon at 17 years of age as opposed to Djokovic winning Roland Garros at 36 years of age. And of course, he also reminded everyone that a certain someone named Nadal is still playing the sport.
“I don’t know. What’s best, winning Wimbledon at 17 like Becker or RG at 36 like Novak? I don’t know. As long as Rafa plays, you can’t really answer. Then there are some records that can’t be broken.”
It is no secret that Federer and Nadal are good friends off the court and that the former player doesn’t necessarily share the same relationship with Djokovic. So it comes as no surprise that Federer would name Rafa amongst the contenders for the GOAT title. We know he isn’t going to name himself. Moreover, it is unlikely he will ever give an outright answer to the question.
What is a little bizarre is the Becker aspect of the answer. While the former German player is definitely amongst the greats of the game, it would be a stretch to name him the GOAT.
