The greatest player of all time debate continues to rage on, with a handful of candidates suitable for the title.
Serena Williams named Roger Federer the best player ever once upon a time, but Pete Sampras picked Novak Djokovic as the greatest he’d ever seen.
Of course, separate debates are required across the ATP and WTA tours, with Williams herself in the discussion on the latter.
On the former, however, German icon Boris Becker once shared his take, offering his verdict on the greatest player ever back in 2003.
Boris Becker named Pete Sampras the best player ever in 2003
As reported by BBC Sport, Becker called Sampras “the best tennis player of all time” ahead of his impending retirement.
Six-time Grand Slam champion Becker added: “I have great respect for his decision. But what can be nicer than ending your career with a Grand Slam victory?
“For me the match against Pete in the 1996 Hannover Masters was unforgettable. Even though I lost the final it was perhaps the best match of my life.”
Sampras won that clash 3-6, 7-6, 7-6, 6-7, 6-4, while his final Grand Slam title arrived at the 2002 US Open.
The home favorite opted against defending his title in 2003, when he decided it was time to officially retire from tennis.
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Sampras called time on his glittering career with a huge 14 Grand Slam titles to his name, more than any other male player at the time.
But his status as the greatest of all time in the eyes of Becker has since been harmed by the superstars who came next.
Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic have all surpassed the American’s record, with the Serbian leading the way on 24.
Would Rafael Nadal be the undisputed GOAT if not for injuries?
Djokovic will aim for Grand Slam number 25 in 2026, but whether or not he can hit that stunning tally remains to be seen.
While he fell short in 2025, he certainly gave a fantastic account of himself, reaching the semifinals of all four Grand Slams.
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