The greatest men’s tennis player of all time debate often revolves around Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, but Martina Navratilova previously went outside the box.
Djokovic is often picked as the GOAT, having won the most Grand Slam titles in history with 24.
However, the Serbian has not won a major title since 2023, when Djokovic won the US Open to make history.
The 37-year-old has suffered another setback recently, with Djokovic being stunned at Indian Wells to continue his poor run of form.
While Djokovic is widely thought as the greatest, Navratilova picked another name when asked the question in 2019.
Martina Navratilova names Rod Laver as the greatest player of all time
Navratilova, who is one of the best WTA players in history, was asked about the GOAT debate at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships.
The 18-time singles Grand Slam champion explained that she did not like to pick just one person, suggesting that it is impossible to compare different eras, but did name Rod Laver as ‘the greatest’.
Navratilova also mentioned ‘the big three’ of Djokovic, Federer and Nadal, alongside American Pete Sampras.
“I don’t like to say the greatest, because for me Rod Laver was the greatest,” said Navratilova. “But Pete Sampras was one of the all-time greats and of course so is Roger, so is Novak and Rafa Nadal.
“So it’s hard to compare generations, it’s a different time, different rackets, different everything, the sport evolved. There’s no doubt in my mind that if Roger Federer had played in the 50’s he would have been number one then, and if Rod Laver played now he would be number one now.
“I think the champions always rise to the top regardless of what generation, so I like to say one of the all-time greats, but to say this one over that one, it’s so subjective and it’s comparing apples to oranges.”
Rod Laver Career Achievements
The Australian Open’s main court is named after Laver, who is an 11-time Grand Slam champion.
Laver has also completed the Calendar Slam, as one of only two men in history to achieve this feat alongside Don Budge.
What sets Laver apart from Budge is that he was able to complete the Calendar Slam twice, in the years 1962 and 1969.
It would also be important to consider that Laver did not complete in official Grand Slam tournaments between 1963 and 1967 after turning professional.
| Player | ATP Titles | Grand Slams | Have they Completed the Calendar Slam? |
| Novak Djokovic | 99 | 24 | No |
| Rafael Nadal | 92 | 22 | No |
| Roger Federer | 103 | 20 | No |
| Pete Sampras | 64 | 14 | No |
| Rod Laver | 78 | 11 | Yes (1962 & 1969) |
To go with his 11 Grand Slam titles, Laver has won 67 other titles and is still an avid watcher of tennis at 86-years-old.
This was evident earlier this year, with Laver reacting to Jannik Sinner’s Australian Open win on the court named after him, despite not being in attendance himself.
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