![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-09-24T001649Z_1138635309_UP1EI9N1O3MPX_RTRMADP_3_TENNIS-LAVERCUP.jpg?width=600)
via Reuters
Tennis – Laver Cup – 02 Arena, London, Britain – September 23, 2022 Team Europe’s Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal during their doubles match against Team World’s Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe Action Images via Reuters/Dylan Martinez TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-09-24T001649Z_1138635309_UP1EI9N1O3MPX_RTRMADP_3_TENNIS-LAVERCUP.jpg?width=600)
via Reuters
Tennis – Laver Cup – 02 Arena, London, Britain – September 23, 2022 Team Europe’s Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal during their doubles match against Team World’s Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe Action Images via Reuters/Dylan Martinez TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
It has been nearly two years since Roger Federer bid farewell to the tennis world. However, the impact the former pro left behind an enduring legacy that still forces fans to draw comparisons of who is the GOAT among him and the other ones like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. While there was already no end to this discussion, it has begun in another sport, one that they practice frequently these days.
Former tennis pro-Jim Courier recently came forward to share his thoughts on Federer and Rafa’s golf skills. Courier preferred Federer’s golf swing, referring to it as “classic” and “beautiful,” much like his elegant swing in tennis. However, “Rafa, much like his tennis swing it is unique.” He further praised Rafa’s skill in the sport, saying, “The guy shoots par.”
The case was not the same for the Swiss Maestro in points, but Courier still preferred his swing. “I’m not sure what Roger shooting in a tournament when you got to get the ball in the hole, but I’ll take the guy who’s getting the low score all day long, but if you asked me which swing, I’d rather have, I’ll take the guy with the red cap,” he said in a recent edition of Tennis Channel Live podcast.
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This thought emerged from Roger Federer’s interest in golf after retiring from tennis. The Swiss tennis maestro posted a video of his golf swing on social media to inform the world about his admiration for the sport. Along with the pros with a fine knack for the sport, fellow tennis player Andy Murray commented on Federer’s golf swing. “Fore right 🫱 ⛳️,” wrote the brit. Spicing up the game, Nadal dropped a cheeky comment suggesting they would have a new sport to compete in now that there’s a distance from tennis.
Unlike Federer, the Spaniard has played golf since childhood and even participates in professional tournaments. Nadal’s golf handicap is between 0 and 1, and he has won several amateur tournaments, which includes a massive win at the 2019 Balearic Golf Championship. Even though these ATP pros had always treated golf as a side gig, a renowned player from the sport idolizes them.
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Nelly Korda draws inspiration from Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
When it comes to listing some of the best names in the world of golf, ignoring Nelly Korda’s name is next to impossible. Although Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal haven’t really explored the depths of this sport, Korda still looks at them whenever it is about drawing inspiration to be the greatest.
“I think I’ve always had this mentality. I’ve always given it 100 percent. I’ve looked up to great athletes like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer,” she said in an interview. Along with that, there was a moment when she was asked about the impact of idolizing these tennis pros.
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“Definitely way more Nadal today versus Federer. There’s not much grace in my game, there’s a lot of fight out there with it being head-to-head battle all the way down 18 and that’s what makes sports so great, that even though you don’t have your best stuff, you can still grind it out,” Korda said in her response.
Both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are traveling a road to a different sport this time. As they both have always been known for their rivalry, who knows, fans would get to witness them going against each other once again.
Debate
Federer started late but still outshines Nadal—does this make him the true GOAT?