Who Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner say is the best player of all time

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The greatest tennis player of all time debate is one that has lasted for several years now, and it doesn’t look like going away anytime soon.

Based on Grand Slam titles alone, Novak Djokovic is the men’s leader with 24, closely followed by Rafael Nadal (22) and Roger Federer (20).

Djokovic will prioritise Grand Slams in 2025, with the Serbian able to extend his lead at the top more easily after the retirement of Nadal.

Nadal retired after the Davis Cup, with the Spaniard having won 92 ATP Tour titles during his glittering career.

Djokovic meanwhile has 99 to his name, with Swiss icon Federer boasting 103 from his phenomenal time on the court.

Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic name best player ever

It perhaps always will be a subjective debate, with several factors at play, but hearing the thoughts of the ‘Big Three’ certainly provides a bit of clarity.

Unfortunately, arguably the leading contender can’t decide, with Djokovic saying ‘we’ll never know’ who the greatest player is.

READ MORE: Who Andy Murray named as his most difficult opponent out of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

Fortunately a former rival of the Serbian’s was able to answer the question, with Nadal picking Djokovic as the best ever.

The one remaining man of the star trio meanwhile perhaps smartly avoided any issues with the other two, with Federer naming Serena Williams as the greatest player ever.

Who Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner think is the best player of all time

Current star Carlos Alcaraz had no issue naming Djokovic as the best ever, following in the footsteps of his idol and compatriot Nadal.

But Alcaraz’s main rival has decided to throw a spanner in the works, with Jannik Sinner naming Federer the greatest of all time.

Sinner and Alcaraz are very much in the process of taking over the mantle from the Big Three, having shared the 2024 Grand Slams between them with two apiece.

READ MORE: Sam Querrey reveals who was ‘more intimidating’ to play against – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic

But they remain some way off reaching the heights of the heroes of old, with women’s icons Margaret Court, Williams and Steffi Graf also deserving their places in the debate of the greatest player of all time.

Court is level with Djokovic on 24, with Williams and Graf winning 23 and 22 respectively during their glittering careers.