Tim Henman believes Roger Federer is in a ‘one-horse race’ as the former British No. 1 discusses the GOAT debate

Henman believes Federer's popularity and impact on the sport is unparalleled

Tim Henman believes Roger Federer is in a ‘one-horse race’ as the former British No. 1 discusses the GOAT debate

(L)Tim Henman; (R) Roger Federer (Via Open Source)

Roger Federer is considered by many as the leader of the 3-way battle for the GOAT(Greatest Of All Time) status in tennis. The Swiss legend won 20 Grand Slam titles, a record eight men’s singles Wimbledon titles, an Open Era joint-record five men’s singles US Open titles, and a joint-record six year-end championships. Although he has been eclipsed in the Grand Slam tally by long-term rivals Novak Djokovic (24 Majors) and Rafael Nadal (22 Majors), he’s often considered the greatest due to the perceived impact he had on the sport.

Echoing the sentiments, former British no.1 Tim Henman said that in his opinion the GOAT debate is a one-horse race if the impact on the sport is taken into account. “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,” he explained in an interview with Eurosport.

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Calling Djokovic as the best in terms of statistics, Tim added, “Overall, Djokovic is the best of all-time on the numbers, but many will still pick Federer because of what he contributed to the game on so many levels.”

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Federer was ranked World No. 1 in singles by the ATP for 310 weeks, including a record 237 consecutive weeks, and finished as the year-end No. 1 five times. He won 103 singles titles on the ATP Tour, the second most of all time behind Jimmy Connors. The Swiss also won a then-record 6 ATP Finals, later matched by Djokovic.

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Guido Pella also hails Roger Federer’s elegant style of play

The recently retired Argentine professional tennis player Guido Pella was full of praise for the Swiss former No.1. In an interview with the Argentine news publication La Nacion, Pella said, “Federer is tennis. It’s everything, it’s elegance, it’s respect, humility, knowing how to move on & off the court, the feeling that he’s not human. Federer looks like he’s not making any effort. He doesn’t need to scream, celebrate or sweat. He doesn’t seem to be moving.”

Guido Pella and Roger Federer.
Guido Pella and Roger Federer (Via Open Source)

Echoing Henman’s sentiments, he went on to say that statistically Novak Djokovic is the best, according to him. Describing Federer’s aura among the players on the tour, Pella said that Federer’s presence never went unnoticed be it in the gym, locker room or dining room.

Federer called curtains on his illustrious career last year. On 15 September 2022, he announced his impending retirement from professional tennis on the ATP Tour, noting that the Laver Cup would be his final ATP event. His final match resulted in a 6–4, 6(2)-7, 9–11 loss in doubles partnering long-time rival and friend Rafael Nadal against Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.

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