Cold reality check for Federer’s GOAT claims

Australian great Wally Masur has weighed in on tennis’ GOAT debate, throwing a few curveballs into the discussion.

By taking out the Australian Open men’s final on Sunday night, Novak Djokovic tied Rafael Nadal’s record of 22 grand slam titles.

With Nadal boasting an unparalleled 14 titles at Roland-Garros, and Djokovic an impressive seven titles on the hallowed turf at Wimbledon – the battle to top the charts is sure to simmer throughout 2023.

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Masur was asked if Djokovic is the greatest tennis player of all time, following his straight sets win over Stefanos Tsitsipas

“Not yet,” he told Stan Sport’s Grand Slam Daily.

“Rafa’s got 22 slams [as well]. I’m just going to go with the numbers.

Roland-Garros 2023. Every Match. Ad-free. Centre Court coverage in 4K UHD on Stan Sport

“You cannot compare eras. Don’t even bother. It was all relative.

“So if he (Djokovic) wins 23 slams and Rafa ends up with 22 – he’s the greatest. If the opposite is true – Rafa is the greatest.”

Omitting recently retired Swiss master Roger Federer from the conversation, Masur argued the numbers don’t lie.

“He’s sitting on 20 (titles) – he’s not there, and he’s retired,” he said.

“You don’t get points for grace in my book. There are no style points. It’s not ice skating.

“I’m just going to go purely with the numbers.”

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Another former Australian star, Alicia Molik, said Djokovic would be second to none by the end of his career.

Speaking on Nine’s Today, the former world No.8 said the Serbian was performing at a level above the rest.

”I think the start of many more, he is going to top the charts and he will be remembered as the greatest of all time,” she said.

King of Melbourne Park

“I still think he’s got three or four more [titles] left in him, at least.

“Let’s wait and see but he is dominating men’s tennis.”

Addressing the media post-match, Djokovic said he was motivated to go out on top and was prepared to put in the work to press on.

“Of course, I am motivated to win as many slams as possible,” he said.

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“At this stage of my career, these trophies are the biggest motivational factor of why I still compete. That’s the case without a doubt.

“I never really liked comparing myself to others, but of course, it’s a privilege to be part of the discussion as one of the greatest players of all time. If people see me this way, of course, it’s very flattering because I know that I give as much effort and energy into trying to win slams as anybody else.

“I still have lots of motivation. Let’s see how far it takes me. I really don’t want to stop here. I don’t have any intention to stop here. I feel great about my tennis. I know that when I’m feeling good physically and mentally present, I have a chance to win any slam against anybody.

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“I like my chances going forward. But, again, nothing is given or nothing is for granted. Of course, there are a lot of players that want this trophy or want the No.1 position in the world.

“I don’t know how many more years I’m going to play or how many more slams I’m going to play.

“It depends on various things. It doesn’t depend only on my body. I think it’s extremely important for me to first have the support and love from the close ones, and the ability to go and play and keep the balance with my private life, but at the same time have the mental clarity or aspirations to really strive to chase these trophies.

“Physically I can keep myself fit. Of course, 35 is not 25, even though I want to believe it is. But I still feel there is time ahead of me. Let’s see how far I go.”

So, while some tennis fans are eager to stick a name to the greatest ever tag, it seems only the passing of time can settle this one.

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