What is the GOAT debate all about? Is it about winning the most titles or about creating a name for themselves in the tennis realm and taking the sport’s recognition to a different level? Not according to Dominic Thiem. The Austrian tennis star believes that the GOAT debate should be all about winning the most Grand Slam titles. And indirectly hinted that the Swiss ace Roger Federer cannot be considered in the GOAT debate.
With such views, the Austrian tennis player has polarized many tennis fans. Is the race to be the GOAT of tennis just between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic? Let’s see what the fans think.
Tennis world reacts to Dominic Thiem’s GOAT criteria
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The ATP GOAT conversation has been dominated by the ‘Big Three’ for a good time now. There are some who believe Federer is the greatest, particularly due to his attractive style of play and the amazing sportsmanship spirit he displayed on the court. However, the 29-year-old tennis star believes that the now retired Federer cannot be considered as he has been overcome by players like the ‘King of Clay’ and the ‘Djoker’.
Dominic Thiem rules Roger Federer 𝐎𝐔𝐓 of the GOAT debate ❌ pic.twitter.com/vu6jz1JZe1
— Eurosport (@eurosport) February 5, 2023
The onetime Grand Slam champion, in a conversation with Eurosport, talked about the men’s tennis GOAT debate. And subsequently, the official account of the Tennis Channel shared his statement on their Twitter account. Fans flooded the comments section about whether they agreed with the tennis players’ criteria for being the greatest or not.
A fan mocked the Austrian tennis player and wrote, “He knows f*ck all.”
He knows fuck all https://t.co/9ufzeEveeO
— Jess Cashman (@cashman_jess) February 5, 2023
While the others were disappointed with the GOAT criteria.
federer is IT sirr, he defines the term goat not the grand slams whatever https://t.co/WPiJ90F74T
— monjo (@ayesharkk) February 5, 2023
Being a GOAT is so much more than just having the most slams IMO.
You have to be respected, you have to also transcend sport.
Sit this one one Dominic. https://t.co/nxJrC2rFXe— Mel (@melvinjtk) February 5, 2023
and what if roger comes back wins the calendar slam and then exits again! https://t.co/FPkaLEHFm2
— viv!! (@taylrfritz) February 6, 2023
@DominicThiem4 I think Dominic needs to focus on himself and his game stop looking over your shoulder!! https://t.co/g4lOL8QQcT
— marlene shakra (@marleneshakra) February 6, 2023
He should keep quiet. He won 1 Grandslam and is yet to pass 1ST round since. Greatness and spotlight isn’t for everyone and you cannot use only grandslams the game comprises of so much more! https://t.co/IBQjYjj9MA
— Titanya Clarke (@TitanyaTC) February 6, 2023
Further, the rest agreed with Thiem’s statement.
Had to agree with you, @domithiem https://t.co/S38HT7VfOi
— YKH71 (@airforcexxv82) February 6, 2023
Oh he's bold. 🤣 https://t.co/v3EhYRC4Dk
— 🏳️🌈 (@8_7InTheFifth) February 6, 2023
Lol. He Needs A Better Dealer. https://t.co/eFnYT7qOJA
— Undisputed Ceo Pyper (@Sirceopyper) February 6, 2023
Being popular doesn't make you thr GOAT I liked Roger he was one of the best of all time but not the 'best' of all time https://t.co/8TSkfDS32j
— MUFC Fan Club 🇦🇺 (@Plasticshinpads) February 5, 2023
Painful one yet so true, it's just how it is 🫠 https://t.co/Xpo4qU444g
— 🙂 (@CACAUURR) February 5, 2023
The three greatest tennis players to have ever played the game, played at the same time. GOAT chat is irrelevant. https://t.co/biRtsAI5ai
— Leon Lewis (@lgblewis) February 5, 2023
According to the 29-year-old tennis ace, the GOAT player should be the one who has won the most Grand Slams as that is the biggest achievement in the tennis realm.
However, this is not the first time when somebody has kept the Swiss Maestro out of the GOAT conversation.
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Another ATP star also kept Federer out of the GOAT debate
When the 20-time Grand Slam champion withdrew from the Australian Open in 2021 due to an injury, the discussion turned against him because Djokovic and Nadal, his archrivals at the time, were both eager to surpass the legendary tennis player.
A 41-year-old Serbian tennis player named Nikola Milojevic spoke at the time about how the other GOAT candidates were capable of outperforming him. And that his prospects of being the greatest had been limited to two names.
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What do you think? Do you agree with the decision of keeping Roger Federer out of the GOAT debate? Let us know in the comments below.