Tim Henman makes a case for why fans would choose either Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic as the greatest player of all time.
For the last several years fans and members of the media have been debating which tennis player stands above the rest.
The legendary trio of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal took the sport to new heights with their pulsating matches against one another and multiple championship victories.
In terms of Grand Slam titles, Federer has been surpassed by both Djokovic and Nadal, but Henman believes the Swiss Maestro is still the greatest in the eyes of many.
Tim Henman explains why fans will pick Roger Federer as the tennis GOAT over Novak Djokovic
Djokovic owns records for the most Grand Slam and Masters 1000 titles, weeks at number one and year-end number one finishes.
He also possesses a positive overall head-to-head record against Federer and Nadal and statistically it is hard to argue that the Serbian stands tall above his colleagues.
But while Tim Henman acknowledges this, he explained how Federer can still be regarded as tennis’ greatest player.
“There are two different conversations to be had about the greatest player, the best player, that comes down to a numbers game and Djokovic will win that,” the former British number one told Tennis 365.
“If you are talking about impact and popularity, it is a one-horse race and there is no doubt that Federer is the most popular player that has ever played our sport.
“Overall, Djokovic is the best of all-time on the numbers, but many will still pick Federer because of what he contributed to the game on so many levels.”
Novak Djokovic wants to continue raising the bar in tennis
Djokovic was desperate to win a Grand Slam in 2024 and extended his tally to 25, making him the outright leader in both men’s and women’s tennis.
He fell short of that quest, with his final opportunity for the year ending in the third round at the US Open against Alexi Popyrin.
Djokovic did capture Olympic gold for the first time and finally won the title he craved, and he is aiming for more success in 2024.
He is representing Serbia in the Davis Cup group stages this week and will aim to qualify for the ATP Finals and try to win it for a record eighth time in November.
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