Novak Djokovic may already have closed in on the GOAT debate for once and all but Stefanos Tsitsipas holds a slightly different view on the never-ending debate.
Djokovic’s 24th major title in New York has ensured many that he will finish his career with the most GS titles to be etched into the history books as the ultimate GOAT of the tennis as he left behind Nadal and Federer with 22 and 20 majors respectively.
The Spaniard has confirmed that he is not sure whether he will get another opportunity to land on the matchcourt for a comeback as he races against time to recover from hip injury. Djokovic, on the other hand appears to extend his major count and dominate the men’s game despite being on the wrong side of 30. The numbers posted by Serbian don’t lie and are already confirming that world No. 1 is in the league of his own. However, Tsitsipas has been a Federer fan since day one and it seems that he will not change his views at the moment.
The ATP #5 admitted that he was pleased to be part of Federer’s farewell at the Laver Cup in London last year and even slept with a tennis racquet singed by his idol to cherish the unforgettable fan moments.
Talking to Kathimerini, the Greek reaffirmed his faith in the Federer’s contributions and asserted that he still believes Federer stands as beacon of the Golden era that was later joined by Nadal and Djokovic.
“He is no doubt the best, going by numbers. He breaks record after record,” said Djokovic when he was asked about Djokovic.
“He also has a thirst, even though he has nothing to prove anymore. That’s how he’s wired.
“He’s never happy; it’s like he’s always trying to prove something to someone. I don’t know what or to whom. It’s like he always wants a rematch. He has that glint in his eye.”
When quizzed who has had the greater impact on sport, the response from Tsitsipas was instant as he replied: “It’s Federer, by a landslide.
“The finesse and beauty he brought to tennis, his magic on the court. I don’t think anyone else will ever match him.”
The 25-year-old also described Nadal as “as the greatest fighter I have ever seen, and not just in tennis, but in any sport,” as he reflected on the greatest qualities of the tennis’ ‘Big Three’.
Tsitsipas may gather the wrath of Nolefam for naming anyone other than their man, yet this debate has other dimensions to it.
“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,” former British No 1 Tim Henman told Tennis365.
“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.
“With the numbers as they are now, you would have to say Djokovic is leading that debate over who is the greatest.
“The fact that we have this debate as often as we do highlights the reality that some people have a different view and that is the beauty of sport.
“If you were a Federer fan, you would probably never say Djokovic is the greatest player of all-time, but the numbers back up Novak’s case.”