In one of the first interviews Roger Federer sat down for post his retirement in September of 2022, he was asked whether Novak Djokovic is now the GOAT. Given the fact that the Serbian won an unprecedented 23rd Grand Slam title just a few days back, this question was always coming. Federer, however, was diplomatic in his response, naming Rafael Nadal in his answer, which was hardly a surprise but also mentioning Boris Becker.
Fans naturally had their own takes on Federer’s answer; some praised the 20-time Grand Slam champion while others believe he is moving the goal posts to avoid giving Nole the title of the greatest ever. Many were also flabbergasted at seeing Boris Becker being brought up.
What fans think of Roger Federer’s answer
For many years, tennis fans expected Roger Federer to accumulate so many Grand Slam titles that nobody would ever challenge him for it. But as Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal started climbing up the ladder, the GOAT debate intensified.
Currently, the debate is very much at its peak and it was no surprise that Federer was pushed to give his thoughts on it. In his interview with Tages Anzeiger, he had this to say,
“What’s better? Winning Wimbledon at 17 like [Boris] Becker or Paris at 36 like Novak? I don’t know,” claimed Federer. “What he’s achieved is absolutely gigantic. It could be sufficient. But I think as long as Rafa is still playing, you can’t answer that definitively.”
Federer’s answer divided the tennis community into three broad groups; one that believes he is being unfair by not naming Djokovic as the outright GOAT, one that thinks he is simply supporting his one time rival and friend Nadal’s claim to the throne and lastly a group that is simply scratching its head at seeing Becker’s name.
He hates Djokovic and is retired. Why should he say anything nice about him? Be authentic, Roger. That’s what a GOAT does ❤️
— Nonna (@NonnaL10) June 22, 2023
If Roger were to win Wimbledon 2019, would he bring up Becker winning Wimbledon at 17?
In sports, it’s not how u start, it’s ALL about how u finish.
— Tan Gim Hoe (@TanGimHoe) June 22, 2023
Wrong answer. They say he hasn’t congratulated @DjokerNole for winning @rolandgarros. Makes the jealousy rumor a bit believable. Its true Nadal still plays. We wait & see. I’m a Federer fan. He’s first ever rounded player. But Djokovic is undoubtedly the G.O.A.T by any standard.
— Bren (@lindy_brendan) June 21, 2023
It means Roger agrees to take the quantity of GS as the measure for GOAT if I understood correct??
— Fox @ Space (@InteleagueKong) June 22, 2023
Roger too much salt is not good for you….
— Sl… Ova (@kaktu_ska) June 21, 2023
Even Roger moves the goal post. 🙄
— J (@jjnorthridge) June 21, 2023
Sorry RF. I know you’d like for your beloved nemesis to hold the Grand Slam record, but there is no way in the world that Rafa will come even close. His injuries have slowed in down considerably. Djoko is like a runner who saved himself throughout the race for final 100m dash
— Esklav Dèchan (@Jdub53452759) June 22, 2023
Many hailed Federer for his measured and diplomatic answer to the question.
I do agree with him!!! I’ve said once and I’ll say it again, the GOAT question is extremely personal, every fan will have an answer and a good reason for their player to be the GOAT
— Durin’s Bane (@_notme_mago) June 21, 2023
Very measured and composed response Roger 👍
— S.S (@write2swagatam) June 21, 2023
His genuine love for Rafa makes my ❤️ flutter. But, what’s this? Roger thinks he’s out because of the major count? I really hope this isn’t the case. We’ll never be able to decide on a definitive 🐐. All 3 can make the claim currently, imo. Rafa’s not done – neither is Nole.
— Vamos Heavenly Creature 🟧 RubeusLeclerc on Twitch (@rafannie) June 21, 2023
Wise answer, Roger respecting both players… bravo 👏
— Janet Marcilla (@JanetMQ1) June 21, 2023
Roger is the classiest person alive!!! And also the most exquisite tennis play in history!!!
— Karen Salkin (@MajorCelebrity) June 21, 2023
And then there were those rubbing their eyes to see if they had read Federer’s answer right.
I don’t understand the first part of the answer. Has there ever been a GOAT argument for Becker? I do think he’s right that as long as Rafa is still playing nothing can be set in stone.
— Newday (@Alliswelliswell) June 21, 2023
Becker’s in the run?🤔😄
— Nole Fan (@b41063721) June 22, 2023
And one fan here thinks Federer just admitted to not being in contention for the GOAT title himself.
so with this at least federer took himself out of the goat debate
— The Rational thinker (@RTNLthinker) June 21, 2023
