'I took on Nadal, Federer and Djokovic - I know who is true greatest of all-time'

'I took on Nadal, Federer and Djokovic – I know who is true greatest of all-time'

Novak Djokovic is tennis’ last ‘GOAT’ standing following Rafael Nadal’s tearful farewell at the Davis Cup.

Roger Federer was the first of the sport's ‘Big Three’ to hang up his racket in 2022. Two years on, Nadal has now played his last ever match, falling to a 6-4 6-4 defeat against Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp on Tuesday in the opening singles of the competition.

The end of the Spaniard’s career will only lead to more debate over who is the greatest of all time (GOAT) out of him, Djokovic and Federer, with a strong case to be made for each icon. And their former adversary Andy Murray, whose success briefly formed a ‘Big Four’, has a unique take on the perennial debate.

The three-time Grand Slam winner tipped his hat to each of his rivals in 2023, noting Nadal's dominance on clay, Djokovic's hard-court mastery, and both Federer and Djokovic's grass-court prowess.

"What all those guys have achieved is amazing," said the Scot. "If you just go on Grand Slam titles, then you'd have to give that to Novak but for me, it's just slightly more nuanced than that.” Now we turn to other players who have faced the ‘Big Three’ to see who they think is the ultimate tennis GOAT.

Tomas Berdych

Former world no.4 Berdych is regarded as one of the best players not to win a major. Despite Djokovic's staggering Grand Slam tally of 24, the Czech ace subscribes to a school of thought that greatest-ever status transcends statistics.

Berdych told Czech Republic outlet iDnes: "Those who want to compare the best by numbers will find arguments for different options. The number of Grand Slams may be the most objective measure, but there are athletes who have left a great mark.

"I think Roger will leave a bigger mark than Djokovic. I think he is a bigger icon than Nadal. Perhaps, because he started this great era. What he did for tennis cannot be surpassed by any result."

Image: Simon Bruty/Anychance/Getty Images) Simon Bruty/Anychance/Getty Images)

Stan Wawrinka

Wawrinka is one of only three players - alongside Berdych and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - to defeat the Big Four at major tournaments. The three-time Grand Slam winner is a compatriot of Federer's, but identified Nadal’s dominance on clay as a standout feat.

"They are different personalities and players," Wawrinka said. "If we're just talking about the game, for me Roger Federer it's really talent, ease and touch. Rafael Nadal, it's strength, power and Novak Djokovic is a bit of perfection.

"It's true that when you play Rafa in the Roland Garros final, for me it's one of the most difficult challenges about what I've been able to experience in my career."

Nick Kyrgios

Former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios voiced his admiration for Federer's unparalleled flair, even though he acknowledged Djokovic's Grand Slam titles as the decider. He said: "I mean the greatest of all time is definitely Novak, but that doesn't mean if I said who would I want to go out there and want to watch, Roger Federer is the nicest to watch.

"He's the most talented, makes the game look effortless, like the Michael Jordan of tennis. Without Roger, would there have been a Novak, a Nadal, someone to chase? But statistics, it's hard to have a conversation any more."

Image: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Tim Henman

Henman had his fair share of matches against Federer and also had fleeting encounters with both Nadal and Djokovic early on in their glittering careers. After Djokovic's monumental victory at the 2023 French Open, which saw him overtake Nadal for Grand Slam wins, Henman gave his take on the GOAT debate.

The British tennis icon said: "He [Djokovic] has ended the debate over who is the greatest male player of all time. He just loves and embraces the challenge. This is not his best surface, but he finds a way to win. He wants more and more."

Juan Carlos Ferrero

Former world no.1 Ferrero offered a similar verdict to Henman, telling Marca: "With Djokovic's numbers there is no debate. You may like Rafa more, you may like Federer's style more, but in terms of numbers the best in history is Novak."

Rafael Nadal

Even Nadal himself appears to have conceded that Djokovic has surpassed both him and Federer. The 22-time Grand Slam champion earlier this year gave props to his rival's secure position in tennis history.

"I believe that numbers are numbers and statistics are statistics. In that sense, I think he [Djokovic] has better numbers than mine and that is indisputable," Nadal admitted. "[There] are tastes, inspiration, sensations that one or the other may transmit to you, that you may like one or the other more. I think that with respect to titles, Djokovic is the best in history and there is nothing to discuss about that."

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