‘It has to be Federer’ – Tennis greats not convinced Djokovic has won GOAT race

Novak Djokovic has leaped to the top of the Grand Slam list after his stunning win at the French Open, yet that may not secure him the status of ‘greatest player of all-time’ in the eyes of some of the game’s greats.

The race to win the most major titles may have been won by Djokovic after his third win at Roland Garros, with his 23rd win in the game’s four biggest tournaments moving him one ahead of Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic is now three major wins ahead of the already retired Roger Federer and such is his dominance at the top of the men’s game that he looks certan to add to his Grand Slam trophy haul.

Yet that alone may not be enough to see him crowned as the ultimate GOAT in tennis.

According to legendary doubles champion Mike Bryan, more factors need to be considered when this debate is raised and he suggests the standards set by Federer paved the way for the success Djokovic is enjoying.

“All three of these great champions are amazing, but for me, it has to be Roger Federer at the top,” Mike said. “Those few years when he was dominating, he barely lost any matches.

“The way he does is it always so smooth. He doesn’t sweat, he is just like a zen master. He is also the most relaxed in the locker room.

“Before a Wimbledon final, he is laughing in the dressing room like it’s a Sunday afternoon in the park.

“When it’s all said and done, who knows who will have all the records? It will probably be Djokovic, but I will always have a special place in my heart for Roger.”

Former top ten player Nicolas Almagro also comes down on the side of Federer in the GOAT debate.

“I believe Federer is better than Nadal, but their record doesn’t show this,” Almagro told Tennis365 at La Manga in Spain

“In my opinion, Federer is the best player of them all in terms of technique, but Nadal has beaten him so many times because he is stronger mentally

“Federer was my toughest opponent because he played with you and not against you. It was a totally different experience.

“Slice, short shot, top spin, volley, he had everything. You didn’t know what was coming next and he had everything. There was no big weakness.

“He is all talent and it is only when he plays someone like Nadal and 99 per-cent of the balls are coming high to his backhand, then he is in trouble.

“It is difficult for him to find a solution and that is where Nadal has had an edge over him.

“If you have the talent and you don’t have the mental strength you cannot win and while Roger has great mental strength, the challenge of overcoming what Nadal was giving to him has proved to be too much a lot of the time, especially on clay.

“Djokovic has had an amazing career as well, but Federer is the most gifted player I have ever seen.”

Opinions may differ, but the facts are now all in Djokovic’s favour when it comes to the greatest male tennis player the game has ever seen.

While Djokovic fans will tell anyone who cares to listen that this debate has now been won, Federer’s brilliance and grace will continue to ensure he will always have backers in the great GOAT debate.

READ MORE: ‘Djokovic’s 23rd Slam changes nothing – Federer is the greatest’, claims French Open winner