Roger
Federer expressed his opinion that the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate is
not settled in favor of Novak Djokovic as long as Rafael Nadal continues
playing.
The Swiss former
tennis player took part in an event at the
Halle Open on Wednesday, a
tournament he has won ten times. The 20-time Grand Slam champion was greeted
with applause by a crowd as he was introduced on the court with Tina Turner's
song "Simply the Best."
Federer
answered a series of questions regarding his physical condition, whether he
misses tennis, his retirement, and the GOAT debate. After Novak Djokovic won
his 23rd Grand Slam title at the French Open a couple of weeks ago, surpassing
Rafael Nadal's 22 titles, many believe that 'Nole' can now be considered the
greatest of all time. However, Federer disagrees with this notion.
“What is
better?,” he said.
“Winning
Wimbledon at 17 like (Boris) Becker or Paris at 36 like Novak? I don’t know.
What he has achieved is absolutely gigantic. It could be sufficient. But I
think as long as Rafa is still playing, too, you can’t answer that definitively
yet.”
Regarding
his physical condition, the former world No. 1 commented that he is not in top
shape because his knee would not be 100%. When he retired in the last Laver Cup,
Federer commented that he hoped to participate in exhibitions around the world
during his retirement, but it hasn’t been possible yet.
“If the body was in top shape, I would
probably play a few exhibitions,” Federer said.
“I still go
to the gym four or five times a week and try to get my body back into shape
with my knee. That’s why I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything,” he concluded.