‘Look at Things Realistically’: Alexander Zverev Puts Novak Djokovic Ahead of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in GOAT Debate

With his incredible list of achievements this year on the ATP tour, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is surely gaining enough support from fans and tennis stars alike in the GOAT race ahead of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The latest to support Djokovic was Germany’s Alexander Zverev.

Despite not winning a Grand Slam title this year, Zverev clinched five ATP titles and also won the gold medal at Tokyo Olympics. He amassed a massive win-loss record of 59-15 this season and defeated top-tier players to achieve victories.

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Alexander Zverev weighs in on the GOAT debate

However, if there’s a thing to be ticked off Zverev’s list, it’s the stat that he is yet to beat a top-10 player at Grand Slams. In an interview with Germany’s TennisMagazin, Zverev talked about various topics, including the GOAT debate.

“I know a lot of tennis fans are more for Roger or Rafa, but you can’t argue against the statistics. Novak has won the most Grand Slams with Roger and Rafa. He’s been number one in the world for most weeks and has finished number one most years,” explained the German. 

Zverev gave a practical take and looked at the numbers, which are clearly in favor of the Serb.

Zverev will lead team Germany at the ATP Cup next year

“You can’t always go against the numbers and say that Roger or Rafa are better because we’ve all been fans of them from an early age. Sometimes you have to look at things realistically and Novak’s records are simply a fact,” Zverev added.

The German makes a valid point in wanting people to consider numbers to decide who’s the greatest. While this debate will go in several directions if discussed, it’s safe to say that tennis fans have clearly witnessed three of the best player to have ever graced a tennis court at the same time.

Coming to Zverev, he will kick-start his 2022 season at the ATP Cup by leading team Germany. Last year, the German had a tough time at the team event as he lost two out of his three singles matches against the likes of Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev.

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