Emerging American tennis talent Chris Eubanks thinks Novak Djokovic “has the numbers” it takes to be a GOAT.
The world No. 29 described the Serb as “the best all-around tennis player”, while also acknowledging the impact Roger Federer had on the sport.
The 36-year old tops the all-time Grand Slam count with 23-titles while his rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have 22 and 20 respectively. Djokovic also owns the record for the most weeks spends as world #1, holds the record of most ATP Masters 1000 titles and dominates in head-to-head against both Federer and Nadal. He is also the only player since Rod Laver to hold all 4 Grand Slam titles at once, a feat the Serb achieved after securing 2016 Roland Garros.
Eubanks in a conversation at Prime Video’s Sports Talk was asked whether he ranks Djokovic as the GOAT above Nadal and Federer.
“Yeah, I think so. Personally. It’s just my opinion. The thing is, ‘GOAT’ conversations are so subjective. It’s all dependent on what you like. The same thing could be said for [Michael] Jordan, LeBron [James]. It’s like, who means more to the sport? Who has had the biggest impact on the sport,” explained the American.
“You can make an argument that it’s Federer, because Federer changed the way that, you know, professional tennis players were viewed globally. He was a global icon. But in terms of just being a tennis player and titles, records, weeks at No 1, prize [money], whatever, you name it. He (Djokovic) has the numbers.
“So, it’s tough to really make an argument based on fact, but somebody can make the argument to say Federer meant more to the sport of tennis, I am not really going to argue with you on that, if that’s what your ‘GOAT’ means.
“Mine is just the best all around tennis player. You can take a tennis player, drop them on any surface against any opponent on any day in any year, and you are probably going to be like, ‘Novak is probably going to be the best one out of everyone’. I would say personally,” said the 27-year old.
Eubanks has played some great tennis last month which saw him registering breakthrough performances at SW19 as he reached quarters of the Championships. He took that momentum into the home tourney in Atlanta last week where he once again made it to last eight to sit on a career-high ranking of world. No 29. He will be facing Sho Shimabukuro in the first round clash at Citi Open in Washington.