Renowned American Journalist Snubs Rafael Nadal From the GOAT Debate Between ‘Big 3’

Tennis fans gear up for some breathtaking action as the courts of New York prepare for the US Open 2021. However, fans are still busy, mourning the absence of a certain great. Swiss maestro Roger Federer recently joined his legendary compatriot, Rafael Nadal, as the two bid goodbye to the 2021 season. With Novak Djokovic the only one of the ‘big 3’ remaining, critics discuss what this means for the ‘G.O.A.T’ debate.

The ‘big 3’ have certainly dominated the sport, both on-court and off it. For over a decade now, fans have defended their legacy with all their might, self-proclaiming their favorite as the greatest player of all time. Notably, as Roger Federer recently announced his withdrawal from the US Open and the remainder of the 2021 season, the evergreen conversation is back in the spotlight.

Leading the conversation from front this time is global sports columnist Christopher Clarey as he launched his book on the Swiss giant, titled ‘The Master- The Long Run & Beautiful game of Roger Federer.’ Giving his taken on the most talked about topic, he opened up on who he thinks deserves the ‘G.O.A.T’ crown.

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in but where is Rafael Nadal?

At 20 Grand Slams each, Christopher opened up on what he thinks is the difference-maker between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

He said, “While it’s hard to compare players from different eras to the current group of players, we can compare players competing now. It is an interesting debate. Does it come down to their performance and achievement on the court or is also about what they have brought to the sport?”

“In that situation and with a wider lens, Roger’s argument gets stronger as he has had. A huge impact on fans and people outside of the sport of tennis. I won’t make a call on who the greatest of all time, but Novak will win that debate on pure results,” he added.

However, amidst the curiosity of the conversation, Christopher leaves Rafael Nadal out on all the action. Like Federer, injury has ruined Nadal’s party as well. Following his defeat at the Roland Garros, the Spanish giant took an unprecedented break from tennis, citing recovery reasons. Although, another daunting injury forced to retire from the remainder of the season.

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Can Novak surpass Roger?

Riddled with injury, Roger’s career has spiraled off the rails recently. With more appearances in rehab and fewer to none on the court, rumors of retirement have been on the rise. His shocking exit from the 2021 Wimbledon Championship and further withdrawal from the events building up to the US Open, left fans in disbelief, doubts, and disparity. However, Novak on the other hands is playing in the form of his life.

Gearing up for US Open, the Serbian legend will be on his way to a Career Grand Slam. Given his recent form this season, he is the undoubted favorite for the season finale.

With Nadal and Federer out, can Novak do the impossible? Can he further etch his name in the history books of the game? That remains to be seen. However, what’s true is that Roger Federer changed the game of tennis. But, right now its Novak Djokovic who runs the shows.

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