via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND: Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates victory after his singles match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during Day Five of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena on in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND: Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates victory after his singles match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during Day Five of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena on in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Former Danish star Caroline Wozniacki has weighed in on the ‘GOAT’ debate, putting Roger Federer in the race for the best. In an interview with Spanish daily MARCA, the Dane was asked who among the ‘Big Three’ she considers the best in history.
“Complicated”: Caroline Wozniacki on picking best among Federer, Nadal, Djokovic
After discussions with her family, Wozniacki decided to hang up her racket this year. The Australian Open this year was her last brush with professional tennis.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
#Ad It is a huge honor to be a selected as a featured speaker at the #Reykjavik20 Global Forum, alongside leadership from @ucb_news and so many other inspiring women! I can't wait to share my #AdvantageHers story at this truly prestigious event. pic.twitter.com/AHtVXqhGIR
— Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki) November 10, 2020
The 2018 Australian Open champion said she would now put Roger Federer ahead of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the ‘GOAT’ race. However, she was quick to add that the order might change over the next few years, depending on where the other two finish in terms of Grand Slam titles.
Wozniacki said, “It is a complicated answer. Maybe right now, with Federer. We have to see what happens in the next few years. I think all three (Nadal, Djokovic and Roger) deserve that mantle. Tennis will miss them when they retire.”
(Quotes have been translated)
via Reuters
Tennis – ATP Finals – The O2, London, Britain – Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his group stage match against Austria’s Dominic Thiem REUTERS/Toby Melville
Roger and Rafa jointly ahead in Grand Slam race
Federer and Nadal currently lead the race for most Grand Slams with 20 titles apiece. However, the Serb isn’t too far away with 17 Major titles.
via Reuters
Tennis – ATP Finals – The O2, London, Britain – Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during his group stage match against Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
At 39, Federer, as many believe, is in the final lap of his career. With age, injuries have also piled up for the Swiss ace. Though he has resumed training after surgery on a troublesome knee, he hasn’t made himself available for the Australian Open next year.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Two-horse race for Slam King once Roger Federer goes
At 34, Nadal still has some years left in the game. It is believed that once Federer goes, it will be a two-horse race for the most number of Slams.
Just a year younger than Nadal, Djokovic is also tipped to play for a few more years during which he can close the gap on the other two. The Serb picked up his 17th Major title at the Australian Open this year. However, his bid for the 18th at the US Open ended in despair. He was disqualified in the fourth round for accidentally hitting a line judge.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Nadal picked up his 20th career Slam title and an unprecedented 13th French Open crown this year. However, he skipped the US Open due to COVID concerns.
Read More: “Still Fighting for My Comeback”: Roger Federer Dismisses Retirement Statements
