Roger Federer Edges Rafael Nadal in GOAT Points According to Tennis Legend Boris Becker

Ever since the Big 3 of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic emerged in tennis, the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) debate has been a topic of great discussion. Fans and players often argue and debate on choosing the GOAT of tennis. And now, as Rafa Nadal equaled Federer’s Grand Slam tally of 20 at French Open 2020, the GOAT debate has intensified.

While writing for Daily Mail, tennis legend Boris Becker rated every important quality needed in the sport, between Nadal and Federer.

Who has the better forehand and backhand between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal?

Coming to Becker’s choice for the best forehand among the players, he rated Nadal’s forehand higher than Federer’s. Becker gave Nadal’s forehand a full ’10’ whereas Federer got ‘9’.

“Devastating from anywhere on the court, but not quite the monster that the Spaniard possesses,” Boris Becker on Federer’s forehand.

Becker rated both Nadal’s and Federer’s backhand on ‘8’, calling both different and the best in their own ways. On volleying, there was no doubt as Federer was given a ’10’ to Nadal’s ‘9’. But he called Nadal’s volley ‘underrated.’

Serve and Movement

On the serve, Becker called Federer’s serve as ‘incredibly accurate’ and ‘hard to read’, giving it a rating of ‘9’. He gave Rafa an ‘8’ for his service and said that the Spaniard has improved his service a lot in the past ten years.

Next coming to movement, Becker gave Nadal a full ’10’ and ran out of superlatives to explain Nadal’s incredible movement. He gave Federer a ‘9’ for movement.

“For someone of his size, and with his muscularity, he is an incredible mover. He scrambles around to get so many balls back from seemingly impossible situations is scarcely believable,” Boris on Nadal’s movement.

Who is the all-round player between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal?

In the all-rounder category, Becker gave both Nadal and Federer ’10’ as both the players have won Grand Slams on different surfaces. And again Boris gave Rafa and Federer full marks for their killer instinct as well.

On longevity, Boris gave Federer a ’10’ for continuing at the top level even when he is nearing his 40th birthday. And he gave Nadal a ‘9’ and revealed that Nadal surprised him by playing till now due to his intense game style.

“You cannot argue with someone who is still at the top of the game when he is not that far off his 40th birthday. I think he still believes he can win another Slam, especially Wimbledon, otherwise he wouldn’t play.” Becker on Federer still playing.

Popularity and Total score

And in the last one, he rated the popularity of the two great of tennis. Boris gave Federer a ’10+’, labeling him as the global ambassador of the sport. And he gave Nadal a ’10’ and said that people recognize his humility and subtleness.

“One of the great global ambassadors of sport, and maybe among the most famous people in the world.” Boris on Federer’s popularity.

So totaling his scores, Federer edges out Nadal with 85 to 84. And so according to his scores, Federer is the GOAT. But Boris also insists that Djokovic shouldn’t be excluded from the debate and in a year the Serbian could reach closer to Federer and Nadal.

Read More: Rafael Nadal Feels He Cannot Be Termed the Only Greatest Player Ever