Tsitsipas Chooses Federer Over Djokovic As Greatest Tennis Player Of All Time

Friday, 13 June 2025 at 10:30

byJordan Reynolds

Stefanos Tsitsipas made two notable exceptions when outlining who he thinks is the greatest ATP player ever. He also chose his best WTA star of all time.

The topic of the greatest player ever is one of the most divisive in tennis. Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer are most commonly cited as the best to have ever picked up a racket, making the generation in which they dominated so special.

Federer, the oldest of that trio, was the most statistically successful for many years. The probability of his rivals overtaking him seemed unlikely, especially when Djokovic trailed the Swiss legend by eight Grand Slams at the age of 31.

Incredibly, both Djokovic and Nadal overtook Federer's haul of 20 major titles. Nadal finished with 22 Grand Slams, the last of them coming at the 2022 French Open, but Djokovic eclipsed both men with 24.

Djokovic has also spent more weeks at No. 1 and won more Masters 1000 titles than his rivals. He is the most statistically successful player ever, and some argue that makes him the undisputed greatest regardless of any factors.

However, arguments are still made for Federer and Nadal. Federer was the sport's biggest and most popular star during his career, and played with a grace and elegance that had never been seen before.

Nadal's 14 French Open titles and domination on clay were extraordinary. Some of his fans believe that his clay court prime was the highest level ever seen, and makes him the best ever.

Toni Nadal, Rafael's uncle and coach for many years, argues that Federer and Nadal achieved a higher level of respect than Djokovic because of their conduct on the court, a statement that generated controversy.

An Instagram post released by the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy's page revealed that Tsitsipas thinks Federer is the greatest because of his impact on tennis, and does not believe his having fewer Grand Slams than Nadal and Djokovic matters.

"My GOAT would be Roger Federer. Obviously, he doesn't have the most Grand Slam titles, but - to me - it doesn't matter. To me, what matters is the effect that he has had on the world of tennis, not just on the world of tennis, but in global sports."

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"I would compare it to the effect of Michael Jordan and I feel lucky that I have had the opportunity to share the tennis court with him. It was probably one of the most majestic experiences of my life, getting to step out on the court and play against him."

Tsitsipas also thinks Serena Williams deserves the title of greatest of all time in the women's game because of her personality and achievements from a humble background. He also mentioned training with the legendary 23-time Grand Slam champion.

"On the woman's side, I would say Serena Williams, what she has done is superb. Her story is unique and I really look up to her and she has big charisma and also presence because I've spoken to her a few times and I've obviously practised with her, I feel like she really deserves that title."

Although Williams is considered by many to be the greatest WTA ever, she and Federer being mentioned as one of the best in tennis history ahead of Djokovic and Nadal will undoubtedly be controversial to many.