Tennis analyst Tim Henman was asked about his opinion on the ongoing race between Djokovic and Federer for the mantle of greatest tennis player of all time. Henman gave a unique perspective on the matter explaining:
"There are two different conversations to be had about the greatest player, the best player, that comes down to a numbers game and Djokovic will win that. If you are talking about impact and popularity, it is a one-horse race and there is no doubt that Federer is the most popular player that has ever played our sport."
Henman further said:
“But you have to say if Novak goes to 21 and Federer and [Rafael] Nadal are on 20, you would have to say Djokovic is leading that debate over who is the greatest, but throw in a Calendar Grand Slam and it would elevate him to a different level. He would then be the best male player of all time.”
The calendar Grand Slam is the most polarizing topic about the upcoming US Open and everybody will be looking at Djokovic as he tries to complete this unbelievable milestone. Henman emphasized how much is on the line for Djokovic:
“Now there is so much on the line for Novak. The meltdowns he has had at the US Open last year and at the Olympics a few weeks ago might help him now. He has got them out of his system now. That will focus his mind even more and I really feel the stars are aligning for Djokovic and he is going to be incredibly tough to beat in three out of five-set matches. It’s great for the game that we have got
the opportunity.”