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GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Rafael Nadal of Team Europe and teammate Roger Federer celebrate during the singles match between Stefanos Tsitsipas of Team Europe and Taylor Fritz of Team World during Day One of the Laver Cup 2019 at Palexpo on September 20, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Laver Cup will see six players from the rest of the World competing against their counterparts from Europe. Team World is captained by John McEnroe and Team Europe is captained by Bjorn Borg. The tournament runs from September 20-22. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
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GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Rafael Nadal of Team Europe and teammate Roger Federer celebrate during the singles match between Stefanos Tsitsipas of Team Europe and Taylor Fritz of Team World during Day One of the Laver Cup 2019 at Palexpo on September 20, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Laver Cup will see six players from the rest of the World competing against their counterparts from Europe. Team World is captained by John McEnroe and Team Europe is captained by Bjorn Borg. The tournament runs from September 20-22. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
The hard-court season and the opening of the first major of the year are almost here. Consequently, people are yet again in the debate around the GOAT in tennis. Rafael Nadal will be there to defend his title, and Novak Djokovic is coming back to his favorite arena to win his 10th Australian Open major. But are they better than their former arch-rival Roger Federer?
John McEnroe and Mats Wilander dive into the raving debate over who is the GOAT and why. Let’s take a look at them.
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John McEnroe and Mats Wilander stirs up the GOAT debate including Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer
The former Swedish tennis legend and American ‘SuperBrat’ had few thoughts to share about the GOAT debate before the beginning of the Australian Open. Wilander has overtly shown his preference for Rafael Nadal after evaluating his consistent performance over the span of a long career.
In an interview with Eurosport, he said, “Rafael Nadal is going to be there from the first point of the year at the Australian Open, I am 100 percent sure because of the sun, because of the conditions, because having won there is huge.” Considering his capabilities he said, “Having won there for the second time for someone like him, now he has won all of the majors twice or more, that’s massive.”
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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal of Team Europe interact during the doubles match between Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe of Team World and Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal of Team Europe during Day One of the Laver Cup at The O2 Arena on September 23, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
Evaluating the statistics, he said, “That’s where he separates himself from the great Roger Federer, who only won one French Open. So Rafa now knows how to win in all the different venues.”
Given that clay court was not Federer’s forte, he proved his worth by always being a major challenge for his opponent in other surfaces. Apart from that, he gave an astounding performance by winning Wimbledon eight times. This has made him an inspiration for all tennis enthusiasts around the world.
Roger Federer hailed Nadal on his 14th French Open win
Being one of the most celebrated tennis players, Federer never shies away from praising his rivals. After seeing his arch-rival’s 14th French Open win, the Swiss Maestro had nothing but praise for Nadal.
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He hailed the Spanish legend and commented on his ever-rising bar for the sport. He also marvelled over his tenacity and perseverance that led him to win his 22nd Grand Slam title.
Who do you think is the GOAT? Please let us know in the comments below.
Written by
Edited by
Tony Thomas