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Roger Federer of Switzerland shakes hands with Novak Djokovic of Serbia after Novak Djokovic winning his Men’s Singles final during Day thirteen of The Championships – Wimbledon 2019 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England. (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images)
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Roger Federer of Switzerland shakes hands with Novak Djokovic of Serbia after Novak Djokovic winning his Men’s Singles final during Day thirteen of The Championships – Wimbledon 2019 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England. (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images)
The GOAT debate in men’s tennis is an endless back and forth between fans of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal. Each stalwart of the game has 20 Grand Slam titles in their bag. Christopher Clarey, author of Federer’s biography, ‘The Master: The Brilliant Career of Roger Federer’ on Swiss’ recently gave his take on the debate.
According to the journalist, Novak Djokovic is statistically the best tennis player of all time. However, Clarey considers Roger Federer as the Greatest of all time. He thinks that while talking on the GOAT debate, other factors need to be taken into account.
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Renowned biographer’s thoughts on Novak Djokovic
The famous sportswriter for the New York Times has given his verdict on the GOAT debate.
Based on statistics, Christopher Clarey said, “In terms of pure tennis, I would say the greatest of them all is Djokovic, for his skills on all surfaces, victories in the Masters 1000. He has won all four Grand Slams at least twice each. And he leads the retrospective against Federer, being 3 times at Wimbledon, and Nadal, being twice at Roland Garros.”
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 8, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Novak Djokovic of Serbia looks to the crowd after winning a game in the first set against Matteo Berrettini of Italy on day ten of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
The sportswriter considers the World No. 1, Novak Djokovic as an all rounder performer in the tennis world. With the accomplishments he has achieved in his professional career, it’s hard to argue against Nole’s case.
Clarey also sides with Roger Federer in the GOAT debate
Clarey, however, gave his conclusion on the interesting debate. After admitting Djokovic as the finest player statistically, the journalist confessed Roger Federer to be the greatest of all time.
Reuters
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 3, 2021 Switzerland’s Roger Federer celebrates winning his third round match against Britain’s Cameron Norrie Pool via REUTERS/Jed Leicester
He said, “When we talk about greatness in general, I would say that you have to take into account other things besides the results, like what the tennis player brought to the game, the connection he created with the fans, the pleasure he gives the audience when he sees his matches, the way he behaves and the image he gives to tennis. So, I would say Roger is the best in this aspect, in the whole package.”
(Quotes have been translated with Google Translate)
The biographer believes many aspects need to be taken into consideration while discussing the debate. He concluded Roger Federer as his greatest of all time tennis player. Notably, snubbing Rafael Nadal, the 13-time French Open champion from his answer.
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