Novak Djokovic snubbed from ‘GOAT’ discussion as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s impact takes center stage for Feliciano Lopez
Feliciano holds Federer and Nadal as GOAT material while snubbing Djokovic from the list.

Novak Djokovic and Feliciano Lopez (Credits; Deccan Herald and ThinkSPAIN)
In a recent interview with Relevo, the debate over the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in tennis took center stage once again. Feliciano Lopez, a prominent figure in the tennis world, shared his thoughts on the matter, but it was Novak Djokovic who seemed to be snubbed from the discussion.
Fans, players, and experts have all shown an interest in the ongoing debate about who is the greatest tennis player of all time. In the interview, Feliciano stressed that the discussion centers on two important issues: the titles won and the emotional toll on fans and future generations. He praised Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer profusely, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the sport.
Djokovic, who, along with Federer and Nadal, has been a crucial member of the ‘Big Three’ dominating men’s tennis for more than ten years, was glaringly left out by Feliciano. He stated that ‘numbers, tournaments won, and weeks as world number one’ are important considerations in the GOAT discussion, but he seemed to shift the focus to the inspirational and emotional qualities of tennis greats, putting Djokovic’s accomplishments in the background.
“What Federer and Nadal have done for tennis seems hard to beat. It is something out of the ordinary. It was surely the most incredible rivalry, the most enduring, the one that knew how to inspire the greatest number of people in the world,” he explained.
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, or Novak Djokovic? A Look at the Emotional Impact on Fans

Tennis’ Greatest of All Time (GOAT) discussion has included not only individual accomplishments and titles but also the emotional toll great players have taken on their supporters. The debate about who has had a greater emotional impact on tennis fans rages on as the triumvirate of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic continue to rule the game.
On and off the court, the Swiss maestro Roger Federer has embodied grace and refinement. He has received a great deal of praise for his flawless technique, artistry, and sportsmanship during his successful career. Fans have embraced Federer’s style of play, which has been compared to poetry in motion because of how effortlessly he executes his shots.
The Spanish bull Rafael Nadal has won over supporters with his unwavering tenacity and competitive nature. Nadal is well known for his unwavering work ethic and never-say-die mentality, and his ferocity on the field has left a lasting impression on viewers. His rallying cry of “Vamos!” has come to represent his persistence and love of the game.
The Serbian giant Novak Djokovic has forged his route to stardom with a combination of talent, athleticism, and a public emotional rollercoaster. Djokovic divides opinion among fans due to his ferocious demeanor on the field. His passionate celebrations and sporadic outbursts have evoked intense feelings in viewers.
In the end, it comes down to personal preference as to who among the above ‘Big 3’ affected fans’ emotions the most. Each player has made a lasting impression on the tennis community and evoked a spectrum of feelings among their followers.
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