"If we start talking about popularity ratings, we're getting sidetracked": Cedric Pioline defends Djokovic as GOAT

Paris Masters tournament director Cedric Pioline has weighed in on the greatest of all time (GOAT) debate, saying that he thinks Novak Djokovic's "sporting record" is sufficient to give him the title.

In many fans' opinions, World No. 1 Djokovic settled the GOAT debate when he surpassed Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams' total number of Grand Slam titles to win his 24th major at the 2023 US Open, equaling Margaret Court's record.

However, others have argued that the debate should not be centered solely around who has the most Grand Slams but should also consider other factors which would, in their opinion, make Nadal, Roger Federer, or other players more applicable for the status of GOAT.

The tournament director of the final ATP Masters 1000 event of the season recently shared his thoughts on the matter in an interview with Sports.fr, stressing that he believes the results of the player in the sport should be the only criteria.

"I understand that this debate exists. It interests me but I'm not obsessed with it. Afterward, it all depends on how we define the GOAT. Personally, I think it is very subjective to include anything other than the sporting result," he said.

"If we start talking about popularity ratings, we're getting sidetracked. What is indisputable is the overall record, especially in Grand Slams where Djokovic stands out from the rest," he continued,

This comes after Djokovic himself, who is competing at the Paris Masters, said that he does not think of himself as the GOAT in tennis.

"No, I'm not going to say I am the greatest player of all times. It's not up to me to say things like that. I leave it up to others. Obviously I'm very proud that my greatest rival could say such things, but I leave this discussion to other people.

"I'm honored to be a tennis player who's writing my own name in the history of tennis, and I'm glad to be at the top right now. That's the most important thing for me. Then we can discuss at length about the whole history of tennis, but once my career is over we can do it," he said.