Picking the greatest tennis player of all time is one that often divides opinion amongst fans, players and pundits and there isn’t really a right or wrong answer.
Naturally, it’s the big three that make up the discussion with Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal all in the mix for selection.
Djokovic sets the pace with the number of Grand Slam titles he’s won, with Nadal just behind him – although he has now retired.
Federer did only win 20 major crowns but it was the elegance and natural ability that he showcased that often led to many giving him the GOAT mantra.
With Christmas upon us and a new tennis calendar set to get underway, Great Britain star Jack Draper has now thrown his pick into the mix.
Jack Draper picks the greatest-ever tennis player
Draper enjoyed a brilliant 2024 and rose up the rankings to sit as the 15th-best player in world tennis.
His achievements during the year included knocking Carlos Alcaraz out of Queen’s Club and reaching the US Open semi-final where he eventually lost to Jannik Sinner.
The Great Britain number one will hope for more success stories in 2025 and the belief will now be there when it comes to his future endeavours.
Ahead of the new season, Draper has been quizzed on who he feels is the greatest player to ever play the game.
He told Sky Sports: “My heart is for Rafael Nadal. When I was growing up, every kit, every new look was him, he was just so iconic, he was left-handed like myself.
“My head says Novak, my heart says Rafa but yes for me the GOAT is Novak Djokovic.”
Djokovic flies the flag for the big three in 2025
The Serbian performer is now the last man standing and he is going in search of major title number 25 next year.
With the emergence of Sinner and Alcaraz that won’t be easy and it remains to be seen just how much Djokovic has left in the tank.
Djokovic is still considered by many as the greatest player of all time and as a fellow professional it’s probably not surprising where Draper has placed his pick.
In terms of titles won and the longevity of his career at the top level, it’s probably quite hard to go against Djokovic but Federer and Nadal more than played their part.
Draper will perhaps be looking to emulate Andy Murray and bring more Grand Slam glory to Great Britain in the coming years.
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