Jim Courier picks out the key reasons why the GOAT debate has a clear winner
The debate over who is the greatest male tennis player of all-time is at an end, according to former world No 1 Jim Courier.
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have helped to ensure the first quarter of this century has been the golden era in the history of men’s tennis, with fans of all three players convinced their man was the best of all-time.
Any tennis lover who dares to suggest Djokovic does not deserve to be recognised as the greatest player of all-time gets a strong backlash from his committed band of fans on social media platforms, with the Serbian superstar holding all the aces in this debate.
Djokovic has won more Grand Slam titles than any other male player, yet Courier told the Tennis Channel that there is more to this debate that needs to be considered before a GOAT (greatest of all-time) verdict can be handed down.
“Statistically, it’s over,” declared Courier. “Unless Nadal is about to find something a fire back with more majors.
“There is a lot to it. It’s not just the major titles. Djokovic has a sizeable head-to-head record over Federer (27-23) and a narrow lead over Nadal (30-29).
“One that is really important is the weeks a No 1 and he has a massive lead there.
“Then the year-end No 1, which is the champion of a season. He’s done that eight times, Federer and Nadal five times each. (Pete) Sampras has six.
“For me, the numbers don’t lie. He’s the greatest and deserves all the accolades he gets.
“These are guys that played in the same era, so we do have a head-to-head record.”
READ MORE: Novak Djokovic set for another amazing rankings milestone – but when could he lose No 1 spot?
Djokovic often insists he is not concerned by suggestions that Federer’s grace on court and the impact he made in tennis means his legacy is cast in a more glistening gold.
Meanwhile, Nadal’s iconic status as a warrior of the sport and his incredible 14 French Open titles give him his own unique place in tennis folklore and Courier accepts opinions on the GOAT question will differ.
https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1768732158590439776
“People will say this is my guy, this is who I like to watch, this is who captivated me for so long. I get it,” added Courier.
“We love passion in our sport, but this is a fact-based discussion about achievement, not style. That’s why it’s a hands-down, trunk slammer for Djokovic.
“Whoever you are cheering for, we are glad you are watching the new generation are coming, so pick your pony. There are a few good ones out there.”
Courier’s comments add to a debate that some will argue has no definitive answer, but the statistics are all in Djokovic’s favour and coaching guru Patrick Mouratoglou suggests that should ensure the reigning French Open champion is etched into history as the tennis GOAT.
“I’ve never seen in the history of tennis someone who is on top of their game at 36, as much as they were at 26, 28. It’s a whole career of being at the top,” said Mouratoglou.
“He had one or two difficult years, but most of his career he’s been at the top of his game, even though he played in the same era as Roger and Rafa, which says even more about how an incredible, dominant player he is.
“I think the famous debate about who is the GOAT, I guess, is completely dead now after this incredible year, three more Grand Slams, plus one final. He has the record almost everywhere of all – number of Masters 1000s, number of weeks No 1, number of Grand Slams – and he’s still playing, he’s still at the top.”
