The GOAT debate continues as no one from the new generation could possibly outdo the contributions of the Big Three trio of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic any time soon. The conversation that sparks some of the most passionate conversations amongst tennis fans is also seen to have the same effect on the professional tennis players who have shared the court with the legends.
Former world number 12, Feliciano López has shared the court with all three of the legendary Big Three trio. This Spanish retired pro explains what makes each of the Big Three members stand out and shares his take on the GOAT debate.
Federer and Nadal receive more affection than Djokovic
In his 26 years of tennis career, he has shared the court with several tennis icons and now, with great knowledge and experience in the world of tennis, he shares his take. The interviewer asks about how Federer and Nadal seem to be more loved than Nole by tennis fans across the world and to that he answers:
“I think so. There is a lot of talk about who is the best ever. One is the titles. Another is those who consider who is better based on the emotions the player has been able to bring, what people have experienced while watching the player’s matches on television, the way he inspired future generations.”
The 41-year-old Spaniard differentiates between the career stat
s and the contributions to the tennis community itself and explains how the Big Three have made their mark in this.
“I find it difficult to surpass what Federer and Nadal have done for tennis. It is something out of the ordinary. Surely it has been the most incredible rivalry, the most enduring, the one that has been able to inspire the greatest number of people in the world. That’s one thing. Another thing is the numbers, the tournaments won, the weeks as number one in the world. That’s a different debate. The affection and love that people have in the world for Rafa and Federer are unsurpassed.”
How many times has Djokovic won each Grand Slam?
Since the 2007 US Open, Novak Djokovic has competed in the finals of the four major Grand Slam titles a record-breaking 35 times. He has acquired 23 Grand Slams in his career and is tied with the King of WTA, Serena Williams for the most number of Grand Slam titles in the Open Era.
Ten of these 23 are from the hard court Australian Open and seven from the prestigious Wimbledon grass court. From the US Open and Roland Garros, he has three titles each!
Novak Djokovic has stated several times that he is in a quest to procure the most number of Grand Slams as he possibly could and at the age of 36, nothing seems to be stopping him. What are your thoughts on the Big Three and the GOAT debate? Who do you choose as the GOAT of tennis? Let us know why in the comments below!
