There aren’t many sports where most fans agree on a clear pick for the greatest of all time, and tennis is certainly no exception.
On the men’s side, the argument is really surrounding three players: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Each of the ‘big three’ has a strong case for the ‘GOAT’ title, however Djokovic’s is arguably the strongest.
Who is the greatest male tennis player of all time?
The Serb has won a record total of 24 Grand Slams, completed the Career Golden Masters and clinched an Olympic gold medal.
Djokovic is the most common answer, and indeed, when Nadal was asked to name his pick for the greatest of all time, the Spaniard went with the 38-year-old.
Rafael Nadal’s pick for the greatest tennis player of all time
As per Tennis Channel in 2023, Nadal said: “I believe that numbers are numbers and statistics are statistics. In that sense, I think he (Djokovic) has better numbers than mine, and that is indisputable
“This is the truth. The rest are tastes, inspiration, sensations that one or the other may transmit to you, that you may like one or the other more.
“I think that with respect to titles, Djokovic is the best in history, and there is nothing to discuss about that.
“As always, everyone can see the story as they wish, saying that I suffered many injuries. Bad luck for me, or bad luck that I had my body this way.
Would Rafael Nadal be the undisputed GOAT if not for injuries?
“He has had another one, and in some ways that is also part of the sport. I congratulate him for everything he is achieving, and it doesn’t cause me any kind of frustration.”
Why Mats Wilander thinks Novak Djokovic is the greatest ever
In 2024, former world number one Mats Wilander explained why he thinks Djokovic is the greatest of all time.
As per Tennis World USA, Wilander said: “I think when Nole arrived in the tour at the beginning, we didn’t see the greatness of him because the greatness of him was more inside him than outside.
“I think that in Roger and Rafa the greatness can be seen, in the shot, in the technique. But I think it took a while for everyone to understand that he has no weaknesses.
“Federer has weaknesses. Nadal has weaknesses. Djokovic doesn’t have any.”
Djokovic enjoyed a winning record against both Nadal and Federer throughout their careers.
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