Roger Federer says Novak Djokovic cannot be termed as the ‘GOAT’ as long as Rafael Nadal is playing

Swiss maestro Roger Federer has given his unfiltered opinion on the ongoing GOAT debate in tennis.

Roger Federer says Novak Djokovic cannot be termed as the ‘GOAT’ as long as Rafael Nadal is playing

Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer (Images via Pinterest)

Roger Federer has given his opinion on whether Novak Djokovic can be considered the ‘GOAT’ after his third French Open title. The Swiss maestro announced his retirement from tennis last year, as he formed a part of the Big 3, involving Rafael Nadal, himself, and Novak Djokovic.

For context, Novak Djokovic scripted history at the 2023 French Open, as he became the first male player to reach 23 Grand Slam titles. The 36-year-old defeated Casper Ruud in the finals in straight sets to claim his third French Open title. However, more interestingly, Roger Federer believes that although this is an incredible achievement, it might be too early to proclaim Novak Djokovic as the ‘GOAT’.

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Rafael Nadal has been on the sidelines since the 2023 Australian Open as he continues his recovery from surgery. The Spaniard has more or less ruled himself out for the rest of the season. He made a big revelation, hinting that 2024 could potentially be his last tour. 

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Roger Federer uses a measured approach in answering ‘GOAT’ question

Roger Federer (Source: Wimbledon)
Roger Federer (Source: Wimbledon)

As per the Swiss Maestro himself, it is extremely difficult to ascertain whether Novak Djokovic can be termed the ‘GOAT’ at the moment. Rafael Nadal sits just one Major behind his rival, and with the Spaniard still around, Roger Federer believes that the race is not over yet.

He further went on to draw the comparison that Boris Becker’s winning Wimbledon at the age of just 17 was also an incredible achievement. The 20-time Grand Slam champion believes that although it might be sufficient, it might be too early to call Novak Djokovic the ‘GOAT.’

“What’s better? Winning Wimbledon at 17 like Becker or Paris at 36 like Novak? I don’t know. What he’s achieved is absolutely gigantic. It could be sufficient. But I think as long as Rafa is still playing, you can’t answer that definitively,” said Federer.

Novak Djokovic will be gunning for a record 24th Major title at the Championships next month. With that being said, the world number one has an opportunity to level Roger Federer’s tally of eight Wimbledon titles. The Serbian has been utterly dominant on grass courts over the past couple of years, winning four successive Wimbledon titles. Last year, he defeated Nick Kyrgios in a four-set battle in the finals, as he came back from a set down.

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