"He put tennis in everyone's TV set": Tennis legends including Wilander and Henman believe Federer eclipses Djokovic as GOAT for different reasons

Tennis News
Friday, 29 September 2023 at 21:30
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Some tennis legends have debated the GOAT and put Roger Federer ahead of Novak Djokovic.
In recent years, the battle to be the tennis player with the most Grand Slam titles has provided fans with one of the greatest rivalries in the history of the sport, with Djokovic, Federer, and Rafael Nadal competing for major titles over the last 15 years, with each of them leading the Grand Slam count at some point.
However, 'Nole' Djokovic has reached 24 Grand Slam titles, pulling ahead of the retired Federer's 20, and still holding a two-title lead over Nadal, who is nearing retirement. While Djokovic's achievements might settle the GOAT discussion for many, some tennis legends believe there are other factors to consider beyond just the numbers.
Seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander, former British No. 1 Tim Henman, and 18-time Grand Slam doubles champion Mike Bryan have all voiced their support for Federer in the GOAT discussion, despite him being third in terms of the number of Grand Slams won.
Mats Wilander:
“You know I don’t like the saying who is the GOAT, because ‘greatest of all time’ is one thing, but ‘best of all time’, we will give to Novak Djokovic these days. The ‘greatest of all time’, I like to give to Roger Federer because I think he put tennis in everyone’s TV set.
“It will be interesting to see what he (Federer) does with the rest of his life, is he going to be part of tennis in the way we are [in the media]? Is he going to be coaching?
“He has his management company and is involved in a clothing line, but I would love to hear him commentate just to hear what he has to say, it would be great.
“It was so sad when he decided to retire, that is the saddest moment I have witnessed in professional tennis. He is a great guy, so nice to everybody, a class act.”
Tim Henman:
“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.
“Overall, Djokovic is the best of all-time on the numbers, but many will still pick Federer because of what he contributed to the game on so many levels.”
Doubles legend Mike Bryan:
“All three of these great champions are amazing, but for me, it has to be Roger Federer at the top. Those few years when he was dominating, he barely lost any matches.
“The way he does is it always so smooth. He doesn’t sweat, he is just like a zen master. He is also the most relaxed in the locker room.
“Before a Wimbledon final, he is laughing in the dressing room like it’s a Sunday afternoon in the park.
“When it’s all said and done, who knows who will have all the records? It will probably be Djokovic, but I will always have a special place in my heart for Roger.”

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