‘My favourite has always been Roger Federer, but Novak Djokovic will end up winning more’
Lorenzo Musetti has made no secret of the fact that he is a big Roger Federer fan, but he acknowledges that Novak Djokovic is likely to “end up winning the most”.
The debate around the greatest tennis player of all time (GOAT) remains a hot topic in tennis and the Big Three Federer, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have led the way over the past two decades.
Federer – who retired last year – was initially at the forefront of the conversation as he was the first man to 20 Grand Slams, but he has been overtaken by Djokovic and Nadal with the Serbian and Spaniard now on 22 majors each.
Although Federer is third in terms of Slams won, there are many who still believe he is the greatest and world No 18 Musetti was asked by Spain’s Marca for his views on the GOAT and replied: “My favourite has always been Federer for his elegance.
“If the question is about who will end up winning the most, I would say Djokovic. He is in good shape and I think he will win a few more Grand Slam titles.”
With Federer’s playing days behind him and Nadal and Djokovic also on the wrong side of 30, the tennis community is looking towards the future and many believe reigning US Open champion and current world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz will lead the sport over the coming years.
Musetti defeated Alcaraz in their only previous match in the Hamburg final last year, but the Italian speaks highly of the 20-year-old.
“He is a unique player because of his talent. What he has achieved in the last two seasons is admirable and I am happy for him,” he said.
“I can say that I beat him in Hamburg in one of my best matches. Hopefully we can meet many more times. I wish Carlos the best because he is a friend both on and off the track. He is a worker and he deserves to be where he is.”
Musetti and Alcaraz could meet in the fourth round at Roland Garros this year, but the Italian will have to get the batter of 14th seed Cameron Norrie on Friday while the Spaniard takes on 26th seed Denis Shapovalov.
But what sets Alcaraz apart from Musetti?
“I believe that what sets us apart is its consistency, the regularity of its results,” the Italian added. “That is what, without a doubt, I lack and I work on it. Alcaraz wins many times without playing 100 percent, which is why his percentage of games won is high. It is the big difference between his ranking and mine.”
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova serves up a desperate verdict on Andy Murray’s comeback hopes
Andy Murray is likely to have to wait several days to learn how long he will be sidelined for by the ankle injury he suffered in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner reveals he has been having Call of Duty sessions with Italian football hero
Jannik Sinner has had some high-profile gaming clashes with Italy’s No 1 goalkeeper.
-
Tennis News
Former British No 1 offers up a theory to explain Novak Djokovic’s shock announcement
Has Novak Djokovic lined up a new coach following his decision to part ways with Goran Ivanisevic?
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic’s bombshell announcement fuels growing doubts over his tennis future
Speculation swirling over Novak Djokovic’s long-term future in tennis after his shock move.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s final moments of dominance were hard to spot – can he reclaim his crown?
Novak Djokovic’s reign as the king of men’s tennis appeared to be set to run and run – but the mood has changed.
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka used ‘parenting techniques’ to cope with Miami Open technical meltdown
Victoria Azarenka’s latest match was held up as the line-calling technology broke down – and she was not impressed.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz makes Jannik Sinner confession during Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer rivalry comparison
“I hope it will allow me to get the best out of myself … seeing the standard he sets.”
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic 3.0: Tennis great’s latest re-invention already underway with ruthless coaching move
The innovation doesn’t stop with Novak Djokovic.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic announces shock departure of long-term coach – ‘Thanks for everything my friend’
Did anyone see that Novak Djokovic coaching bombshell coming?