Former BBC commentator Sue Barker propounds why Novak Djokovic won’t be GOAT even if he wins most Grand Slam titles
Follow Us
Sue Barker in her playing days (L) and Novak Djokovic (R)
Former BBC commentator and 1976 Roland Garros winner Sue Barker recently weighed in on the Greatest of All Time debate in men’s tennis and explained why 21-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic won’t be the best for her even if he goes past Rafael Nadal’s tally of 22, leaving behind Roger Federer, who recently retired from the sport, at 20.
“We have been blessed to watch this incredible era of the sport and all three of these great players will be remembered as greats of the game,” Barker began in a conversation with Express Sport.
“Djokovic might well end up with the most Grand Slam titles and what Nadal has achieved at the French Open with his 14 titles is just incredible. But I look at the way they play and Roger Federer made the game look so easy,” she added.
Sue Barker recalls the moment she made Roger Federer cry
Barker also recalled the moment she made Swiss great Federer cry at the All England Lawn Tennis Club’s 2003 men’s singles prize ceremony, when he won the first of his eight titles there.
“I was very fortunate to be part of the Parade of Champions on middle Sunday at Wimbledon this year and Roger came over to take part. We didn’t know he was coming until half an hour before so it was very exciting,” Barker told Express Sport.
“Then at the end, John McEnroe made a special presentation to me as it was my last year with the BBC and I was blubbing. Roger looked at me and reminded me of the time I made him cry on Centre Court when he won Wimbledon for the first time and it was a lovely moment,” she added.
Barker added: “Also, the role model he was to kids and his popularity around the world is second to none. He has been voted the most popular player for 20 years in a row. We were so lucky to have him playing until he was 40 and for me, I would still say at the moment that Roger is the best for everything he stands for and what he has given the sport.”
Stay Updated!
Ashish Maggo
(191 Articles Published)