Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal not even ‘BEST’ of their time claims Jimmy Connors putting Novak Djokovic ahead in the GOAT debate

In a recent podcast episode of ‘Advantage Connors‘, tennis legend Jimmy Connors generated debate by challenging the widely held belief that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are the best players of all time. Connors, known for his opinionated demeanor on and off the court, took a strong stand, claiming that the two modern greats aren’t even the finest players of their generation.

During the podcast, his son, Brett Connors brought up the Wimbledon crowd’s apparent preference for Carlos Alcaraz over Novak Djokovic, criticizing the lack of support for the Serb, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in tennis history. In response, Jimmy Connors speculated that Djokovic’s lower audience support could be due to some fans believing that he had already accomplished enough in his great career.

“They think that maybe he’s had enough, and it’s time for somebody else to come up. I look at it the other way, I say ‘Kill it.’ Stay out there and play until somebody just comes up and beats your brains out because you always got a chance to win,” he said.

For more than a decade, Djokovic has been embroiled in a bitter rivalry with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, sparking continual debate over who is the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) in men’s tennis. While Federer and Nadal have frequently been lauded as GOAT candidates, Connors argued in an earlier podcast episode that Djokovic’s supremacy in their era should not be underestimated.

Connors highlighted, “Look at everyone who said that Federer and Nadal were the greatest of all time. They are not even the best of their time.”

Also read: Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal doesn’t bother the Canadian Open director who’s counting on Carlos Alcaraz and others

The GOAT debate continues

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, the three leading contenders for the renowned title, have each etched their names into tennis history with amazing performances that make the quest for a definite answer even more difficult. Each player has qualities that have shaped their reputations, and their head-to-head rivalries have generated some of tennis’ most enthralling encounters. For more than a decade, the three have dominated the sport, each breaking records and rewriting history.

Federer is known for his graceful style of play, outstanding shot-making talents, and unrivaled success on grass courts. His longevity and consistency have earned him a place as one of the sport’s greatest icons, with an incredible 20 Grand Slam victory.

Nadal has left an indelible impact on the sport with his determination, unrivaled success on clay courts. Nadal’s unrelenting pursuit of brilliance and dramatic confrontations against his contemporaries has cemented his place as one of the all-time greats, with 22 Grand Slam victories to his name.

Djokovic is a master of adaptation, excelling on all surfaces and demonstrating remarkable mental fortitude on the court. His extraordinary 23 Grand Slam wins, which encompass victories across several eras and against the sport’s best opponents, have solidly established him as a serious challenger for the GOAT debate.             

In case you missed it:

• Novak Djokovic didn’t take chances against Carlos Alcaraz which cost him the Wimbledon finals claims Goran Ivanisevic
• Patrick Mouratoglou fires shots against Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka’s inconsistencies, claiming Men adapt better on grass

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW