Roger Federer ‘can’t dispute the facts’ in GOAT debate with Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon

Wimbledon in numbers

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Roger Federer may have held the mantra in the men’s game as the greatest of all time, but three-time Wimbledon champion John Newcombe has explained why Novak Djokovic is closer than ever to taking that title. Djokovic has made no secret of his desire to become the most successful player in tennis history.

Just 10 years ago, Federer looked as though he was going to enter a league of his own with Djokovic and Rafael Nadal only just starting to make waves on the ATP Tour.

But Djokovic in particularly has been the dominant player over the last decade and he remains the best in the world in 2021.

The Serbian has won both Grand Slams this year so far and is the favourite to defend his title at Wimbledon.

Federer is still working back to full fitness and testing his knee after spending 13 months out through injury.

JUST IN: Federer warned over Wimbledon challenges preventing Djokovic battle

He’s openly stated that he still sees himself as a challenger for Wimbledon at the age of 39 years old.

But Djokovic is the strong favourite to equal the Grand Slam record held by Nadal and Federer.

And Newcombe believes Djokovic winning a week on Sunday would give him the edge in the debate on who is the greatest of all time.

“When he started out, we didn’t think grass would be Novak’s best surface. But he’s done a great job in the way he has developed his game – he’s almost equally as confident on all surfaces,” Newcombe told the Herald and The Age.

DON’T MISS

“Certainly on hardcourt and grass, he’s extremely hard to beat. And there’s only one guy that’s better than him on clay.

“[If he wins Wimbledon again] he has to go down as the best of all time.

“Roger would be the most attractive player to watch of all time. And then you have Nadal.

“He has some attributes which make you think, on some days, that he might be the best of all time. Obviously, he’s clearly the best clay courter of all time.

“Nobody thought there would be a better clay courter than Bjorn Borg. Then Rafa comes along.

“But Novak is certainly heading in that direction. You can’t dispute the facts. He is winning those big matches.”

Federer hasn’t won a Grand Slam since his victory at the 2018 Australian Open.

But he did reach the final at Wimbledon two years ago, losing an epic contest against Djokovic.

Source: Read Full Article