Australian doubles great Todd Woodbridge has given his take on the ‘GOAT’ race in men’s tennis. The legend said that the fact that Roger Federer doesn’t have a winning record against Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic sets him back in the race for the greatest.

Though Federer, with 20 Major titles, is currently tied with Nadal for the most number of Grand Slam trophies, he trails both his prime adversaries in head-to-head battles.

Federer is comfortably behind the Spaniard with a win/loss record of 16-24. His head-to-head record against the Serb is marginally better at 23-27.

Roger Federer, the greatest all-court player, says Todd Woodbridge

Woodbridge said that while some of Federer’s feats in men’s tennis are truly unmatched and may stand the test of time, his track record against the other two in the ‘Big Three’ – combined moniker for Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic – makes it difficult for him to put the Swiss ahead in the ‘GOAT’ race.

However, Woodbridge, speaking to Wide World of Sports, gave Federer the label of the “greatest all-court player”.

Trending

‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff

April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT

Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her Pink Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor

April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT

Darwin Blanch: How Father’s Relentless Efforts for His Brother Ended up Becoming a Boon for Rafael Nadal’s Opponent

April 24, 2024 06:52 PM EDT

Madrid Open 2024: Ugo Humbert vs Botic Van De Zandschulp; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

April 26, 2024 07:18 AM EDT

Do Darwin Blanch’s Siblings Play Tennis? Everything to Know About the Young American’s Power-Packed Family

April 25, 2024 01:54 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“He’s (Federer) the greatest all-court player. (But) I find it hard to suggest (that) he’s the greatest (of all time) when he doesn’t have a winning record over Rafa and Novak,” Woodbridge said. He said Nadal spoiled Federer’s Grand Slam record by winning as many French Open titles as he has. 

“Still Fighting For My Comeback”- Roger Federer Dismisses Retirement Statements

Federer would be ‘GOAT’ if he’d taken 3 of Rafa’s French Open titles, says Woodbridge

Woodbridge added that the race for the greatest would have turned out better for the Swiss if he could have taken at least three Roland-Garros titles off the Spaniard. Nadal has 13 French Open titles to his credit, with the latest landing in his kitty this year. He said:

“But his (Federer’s) game style, the way he’s carried himself – Rafa spoiled it by dominating the French Open with 13 Grand Slam titles. If Roger could have won three of them and Rafa just 10 – well then yes, he would’ve been (the greatest of all time),” the 22-time Major winner said.

At 39, Federer, by his own admission, isn’t likely to carry on for too long. 

And with Nadal and Djokovic still having some tennis years ahead of them, provided they stay fit and motivated, they are likely to race for most Major titles once Federer goes.

At an award show in Switzerland, Federer effectively ruled himself out of the Australian Open next year, saying he was unsure how long his frail knees could hold.