It’s really hard to count the number of experts who believe that Roger Federer is the greatest player of all time. Federer has not just inspired the younger generation but also impressed tennis legends with his phenomenal skills. One such legend and former World No. 1 Stanley Smith reiterated the largely held opinion that Federer still remains the G.O.A.T for him.

In a recent interview, the 73-year-old Smith admitted that Federer would always be the best for him. He said that players like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Rod Laver were on the same level but behind Federer.

“Oh yes [Federer remains the greatest ever]. In my ranking of all time after Roger, I put Rod, Djokovic, and Nadal on equal merit, Sampras and Borg,” said Smith in the interview.

Aside from the current players, Smith even mentioned that Pete Sampras and Bjorn Borg were also great players. However, he stood firm on placing Federer ahead of these legends.

(Quotes have been translated)

Fans hope for a successful comeback by Roger Federer at the Australian Open 2021

It’s been almost a year since fans last saw Roger Federer on the court. Therefore, they are excited for the Australian Open 2021 in order to see the 39-year-old back on the tennis court.

Fans will want Federer to re-create his 2017 season in which he won seven titles after coming back from a back injury. This time, too, he was out of the 2020 season due to a knee injury. Thus, they will expect him to perform consistently in spite of the fact that all the odds will be against him.

The moment will be ripe for the Swiss Maestro to take the lead in the Grand Slam tally. At the moment, he is tied with Rafa at 20. However, as Rafa hasn’t been able to win an Australian Open title since 2009 despite playing four finals, it could be Federer’s chance to win his 21st Grand Slam title.

Also Read: Jim Courier Predicts a Successful Comeback for Roger Federer in 2021