The GOAT debate has ignited fans over the past 20 years and created a lot of social media discussions. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have created a rivalry without precedent in tennis history, improving each other and taking this sport to a new dimension.
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The Swiss has long held the record for Grand Slam titles and weeks at the top of the ATP ranking, reinforcing his status with a level of popularity without equal in tennis history. The Swiss Maestro - who retired in 2022 due to a serious knee injury - has been loved and appreciated around the world for his charisma and his amazing style of play.
Most of his records ended up in the hands of Nadal and especially Djokovic, who has broken almost all records in recent years. Serbian legend has reached the 24 Major titles, twice grazing the Grand Slam Calendar, as well as holding the record for the Masters 1000 and number 1 weeks in the world.
The GOAT debate is open
According to many insiders, the 37-year-old from Belgrade earned the title of GOAT thanks to his impressive numbers. Nole has often divided fans with his behaviour, but the results he achieved on the tennis court put him at the top. The Big 3s place could be taken by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in the next 10-15 years. The Italian ace and the Spanish champion have already won several Grand Slam titles and played some fantastic matches against each other.
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The ATP tour is experiencing a stalemate between the first minor tournaments in Asia and the big ones involved in the Laver Cup. In this period of the season, questions are back in fashion that constantly keep fans passionate, each with their own opinion. One of the constant dilemmas that concerns both fans and insiders is who is the GOAT of tennis. Everyone has their own thoughts but it seems clear that the fight at GOAT is only about the Big Three, or the three tennis players who have passed the 20 Slam and have written the history of this sport.
Without saying we talk about Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, respectively at 24, 22 and 20 titles of the Slam. The Swiss was the first to reach 20, but his biggest rivals have caught up with him and overtaken him over the years. As well as Roger was the first to overtake Pete Sampras, fourth with 14 Grand Slam titles. When Roger passed him and reached 15 Pistol Pete said: "He is the greatest but to be considered by all the best must at least tie the previous with Nadal", the Spaniard at that time was ahead 13 to 7 and had beaten him several times.
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A few years ago Sampras told Reuters his definitive thought by clarifying: "You will appreciate it as time goes on, Novak Djokovic is the GOAT. He managed to get between Federer and Nadal and was for several years the number one in the world. He rewrote history". And to think that Djokovic was still at 20 when these statements were made, who knows what he thinks now.
The Big 3 made history
Nole has managed to complete, winning everything, reaching 24 Grand Slam titles and this year won gold at the Olympic Games in Paris. In an interview during the Laver Cup weekend, 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer opened up on Rafa and Novak: I really hoped Nadal would somehow get a match in the end, but he just said hed rather not do it, and that he doesnt feel ready.
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But he seems good. I think he just has to decide what to do next and I think thats what hes going through at the moment. Hes done everything for the sport. It would be phenomenal if he could go on for another season, but only Rafa himself can answer that. He continued: Novak, winning the Olympics and playing somewhat lets say a full season - he didnt bow out because of injuries, he chose to play less which is normal when you get a bit older.
I feel like he has chances moving forward. I look forward to Australia which is the next Slam. I think Novak is definitely going to be one of the favourites along with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. I think the Australian Open story will be a very cool one to follow. The 37-year-old from Belgrade will try to win his 11th title at Melbourne Park, a legendary feat against opponents much younger than him. Recently, Djokovic said he might close this season early.
