Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic? GOAT debate produces different responses from Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas

Tennis fans will never agree on the Greatest of All Time (GOAT), and it appears the debate also differs according to players who have actually competed on the ATP Tour.

The trio of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are often mentioned in the GOAT discussion. With Grand Slam titles, weeks at World No.1 and effect on history all playing a role, each of the aforementioned legends has a legitimate case to being the best player in tennis history.

In an interview with 433 football, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas were asked to select the greatest athletes in the past and modern era across different sports. Zverev picked Djokovic, whereas Tsitsipas, who had selected Djokovic as his GOAT last year, changed his mind as he picked Nadal.

Below are their responses to the various questions asked.

Carlos Alcaraz or Jude Bellingham?

Tsitsipas: Carlos Alcaraz.

Carlos Alcaraz or Roger Federer?

Tsitsipas: Roger Federer.

Roger Federer or Michael Jordan?

Tsitsipas: Ohh that’s a difficult one, I’m sorry Rog — Michael Jordan. 

Michael Jordan or Lionel Messi?

Tsitsipas: Michael Jordan.

Michael Jordan or Muhammad Ali?

Tsitsipas: Muhammad Ali.

Muhammad Ali or Cristiano Ronaldo?

Tsitsipas: Muhammad Ali.

Muhammad Ali or Rafael Nadal?

Tsitsipas: Rafael Nadal.

Rafael Nadal or LeBron James?

Tsitsipas: What?! Rafael Nadal.

Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic?

Tsitsipas: Rafael Nadal.

Carlos Alcaraz or Jude Bellingham?

Zverev: Carlos Alcaraz.

Carlos Alcaraz or Roger Federer?

Zverev: Roger Federer.

Roger Federer or Michael Jordan?

Zverev: Oh wow. You know what, Michael Jordan is the GOAT of basketball… Roger Federer isn’t. So by numbers, yeah, [Jordan].

Michael Jordan or Lionel Messi?

Zverev: Michael Jordan.

Michael Jordan or Muhammad Ali?

Zverev: I’m too young for Ali, so Jordan. 

Michael Jordan or Cristiano Ronaldo?

Zverev: Jordan

Michael Jordan or Rafael Nadal?

Zverev: Jordan

Michael Jordan or LeBron James?

Zverev: Jordan

Michael Jordan or Novak Djokovic?

Zverev: I’m going to give it to Novak, he’s the GOAT of out sport.