Tennis legend Rafael Nadal, the all-time leader in Roland Garros titles picked the best player among Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and himself.

According to the ATP rankings, Jannik Sinner currently holds the title of world No. 1. However, even the Italian acknowledges that when it comes to historical significance, he trails behind the likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. These two, along with Roger Federer, have dominated the conversation around the GOAT debate.

Each player has their unique accomplishments, but Djokovic seems to have made a compelling case, especially after securing the Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games—one of the few accolades that had eluded him. In a recent interview, Nadal decisively ended the GOAT debate, offering his own pick.

Speaking on the Spanish program ‘El Objetivo,’ Nadal did not hesitate to name Novak Djokovic as the best player in history. “I would say Djokovic is the greatest of all time. The numbers say so, and to me, he is the best,” the Spaniard stated. It’s worth noting that Djokovic has surpassed both Nadal and Federer in Grand Slam titles, with 24 to his name, and recently clinched his first Olympic gold in Paris.

Nadal also commented on Djokovic’s temperament, saying, “When I see someone with so much success get so angry, I don’t like it. However, I think the image he projects is worse than what he truly is. He’s a good person with his flaws. His frustration lasts as long as it takes to break a racket. After that, he’s ready to play at 100% again.” Nadal concluded, “He’s the best I’ve seen. He’s had the better physicality, and that counts.”

Nadal reflects on his rivalry with Federer

For many years, the most anticipated match in tennis was Nadal versus Federer, a clash of styles that often defined the biggest tournaments. Reflecting on this period, Nadal said, “We pushed each other to new heights. We also took a lot from each other. We achieved a level of self-demand that is hard to replicate because we knew we couldn’t afford to fail. That competition pushed us to the limit.” He added, “I wouldn’t call him a friend, but he’s someone I have a deep familiarity with, and we share a great relationship.”

Grand Slam record

• Novak Djokovic: 24
• Rafael Nadal: 22
• Roger Federer: 20
• Pete Sampras: 14
• Roy Emerson: 12
• Rod Laver: 11
• Bjorn Borg: 11
  

  Novak Djokovic: How many players have won the career Golden Slam in tennis?

  Novak Djokovic just completed the career Golden Slam in Paris 2024 Olympics. The big question is how many players have done that in tennis history.

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    Novak Djokovic has finally won the career Golden Slam after a brilliant performance in the Paris 2024 Olympics. It was an amazing run knocking out in his way to the title many big names such as Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz.

    Now, the Serbian legend holds the most impressive trophy case in tennis history. Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, US Open, individual gold medal, Davis Cup, ATP Finals and all the Masters 1000.

    As a consequence, one of the biggest questions in the tennis world is how many players have achieved the Golden Slam in history. It’s a very surprising answer which, by the way, doesn’t include Roger Federer.

    Which tennis players have won a career Golden Slam?

    Novak Djokovic, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Steffi Graf and Serena Williams are the five players with a career Golden Slam. It’s important to emphasize that, in a career Golden Slam, it doesn’t matter if you win all trophies in different years.

    Has anyone done the Golden Slam?

    Steffi Graf is the only player in history who has conquered the true Golden Slam in history. That milestone is different from the career Golden Slam as you must win everything in the same year to achieve it.

    In 1988, the German star won the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open. Furthermore, she got the individual gold medal in Seoul beating Gabriela Sabatini in the final. No man in singles has done that.