‘I faced Federer, Nadal and Djokovic – it’s clear who I think the best of all-time is’
The GOAT debate between Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal is one of the most talked about topics in tennis – but what do players who have faced the Big Three think?Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak DjokovicRoger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are part of tennis’ Big Three(Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup)Tennis fans have been treated to an unforgettable period in the sport, witnessing an era that has rewritten the history books.Andy Murray’s retirement has led fans and pundits to give him plaudits for his career, with his hard-fought success coming in the same era as the ‘Big Three’: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Murray’s sheer talent briefly created the ‘Big Four’, though injuries took their toll on the two-time Wimbledon champion.Although his illustrious peers are regularly thrown into the greatest-of-all-time (GOAT) conversations, Murray himself holds a unique perspective on the perennial debate. Speaking in 2023, the three-time Grand Slam winner tipped his hat to each of his rivals: Nadal’s clay supremacy, Djokovic’s hard-court heroics, and dually praising Federer and the Serbian for their success on grass.”What all those guys have achieved is amazing,” Murray said. “If you just go on Grand Slam titles, then you’d have to give that to Novak but for me, it’s just slightly more nuanced than that.” Now, let’s see who other players who faced off against the Big Three believe is the ultimate GOAT.World’s richest tennis star’s true character is clear after mum’s eight-word claimmirrorAndy Murray takes first step into dream new sports career after retiring from tennismirrorTomas BerdychFormer world No.4 Berdych is regarded as one of the best players not to win a major. Despite Djokovic’s towering Grand Slam tally, the Czech ace subscribes to a school of thought that greatest-ever status transcends statistics.”Those who want to compare the best by numbers will find arguments for different options,” Berdych told Czech Republic outlet iDnes. “The number of Grand Slams may be the most objective measure, but there are athletes who have left a great mark.””I think Roger will leave a bigger mark than Djokovic. I think he is a bigger icon than Nadal. Perhaps, because he started this great era. What he did for tennis cannot be surpassed by any result.”Stan WawrinkaWawrinka is one of only three players – alongside Berdych and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – to defeat the Big Four at major tournaments. The three-time Grand Slam winner is a compatriot of Federer’s but recognised the formidable challenge that Nadal presented on clay.CONTINUE READINGWatch the Premier LeagueWatch all the action of the 2023/2024 Premier League seasonThe new football season is upon us and with 500 live games to watch, as well access to Cricket, Golf, F1, Boxing, NFL and the NBA across eight dedicated channels, Sky Sports is the only way to watch all the action.