The greatest of all time debate is one that still cannot be decided among many tennis fans.
Novak Djokovic won his 100th title at the Geneva Open to further improve his case and is on an impressive run at the French Open in pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam.
His two former rivals, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, trail him in their major tallies, but have had their fair share of wins over the Serb throughout their respective careers.
Nadal’s uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, recently weighed in on the conversation and said who he preferred to watch between Djokovic and Federer.
Toni Nadal says who he prefers to watch between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic
Speaking on the Nude Project YouTube channel, Nadal said: “On the Swiss player, perfection comes to mind. Federer managed to raise the level of tennis, that is, he managed to make the level incredible or very high without losing an ounce of elegance. This is very difficult.
“What Federer did, for me, is extremely difficult. To combine high demands, combining high effectiveness with very high elegance. I don’t think there is an athlete in any field, neither Michael Jordan in basketball or Lionel Messi [in football], no one who has been able to combine effectiveness with elegance.
“I think you’re often asked who is the best in history. Federer or Djokovic. Of course, by titles, it’s Djokovic. By elevation of play, it’s Federer. If Rafael hadn’t had all of the injuries, Rafael would probably have been the best. He did have the injuries, so he can’t be.
“But of course, Federer, for me, is the player my nephew liked to watch, because I like someone who puts passion into what they do. But I really liked watching Federer.”
Toni Nadal says Novak Djokovic is a more complete player than Roger Federer
The Spaniard continued: “In Djokovic’s case, he’s very good, and he’s the player who has been most willing to do everything necessary to be there for as long as possible. He took care of himself better than anyone else, he ate everything that the demands placed on him, not just inside but also outside.
“Apart from that he’s also a more complete player than Federer. Federer is more of an attacking player, Djokovic attacks and defends. He’s more complete. Watching him is less exciting for me.
“I recognise that he has a tremendous capacity for understanding the game, he has a knack for coordination, for positioning the ball well in just a few steps. A very good player.”
Djokovic enjoyed a winning record against both Federer and Nadal, with a head-to-head score of 27-23 against the Swiss legend, and 31-29 against the 14-time Roland Garros champion.
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