Neil Robertson feels Ronnie O’Sullivan is the greatest sportsman Britain has produced, not just for his achievements, but the circumstances they have been achieved in.
The Rocket has all but ended the argument over the greatest snooker player of all-time, with more Triple Crowns, ranking titles and centuries to his name than anyone else.
There remains the occasional shout for Stephen Hendry, who is level with the Englishman on seven World Championship titles, but the Rocket is the consensus GOAT.
The 49-year-old continues to produced an incredible standard, knocking in two 147s in his semi-final win over Chris Wakelin at the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters in August.
Robertson would edge O’Sullivan 10-9 in the final in Jeddah, but felt that the double-maximum madness of the semi is just another reason for the Rocket to go down as Britain’s best.
Asked if O’Sullivan now appears to be back to his best, the Australian said: ‘Yeah he is. He is. That match, if that doesn’t cement him as Britain’s greatest ever sportsman I don’t know what will.
‘To do it at the speed he was doing it as well. We’ve never seen anything like it in the game and we will never have anything like it in the game.’
While O’Sullivan possesses immense talent and has dedicated his life to his craft on the table, Robertson points out that he has had difficulties to overcome.
Robertson has spoken out about his wife Mille’s struggle with depression in the past and he recognises that O’Sullivan has faced mental health battles of his own.
The Rocket has also faced those issues and become his sport’s greatest player under the pressure of being the game’s most famous and popular face.
‘You have to remember as well, I know through experience with my wife who’s struggled with with mental health issues in the past and how tough that still is today,’ said Robertson.
‘Don’t forget the things that he’s struggled with, his anxiety and things like that. For him to be able to perform like that, it’s just remarkable.
‘I can’t think of any other athlete who’s been able to achieve what he has in his sport while dealing with all these other issues while being the best to watch at the sport and for all the fans wanting him to win.
‘The guy’s an absolute champion.’
O’Sullivan spoke during the 2024 World Championship about taking medication for anxiety, telling the BBC: ‘I’ve had such a long time in the doldrums. For two years I’ve held it down, I’ve not really mentioned anything but it’s been really challenging.
‘I’ve had to take medication for the anxiety and all that sort of stuff, even in small tournaments, even when I’m not playing. That’s how bad the game can make me feel at times.’
The seven-time world champion has often spoken out in the past about ‘snooker depression’ and how he has suffered throughout his epic career.
However, he appears to be in a good place at the moment, saying he is enjoying his game again and has been very pleased with how he has played at the Shanghai Masters and Saudi Arabia Masters so far this season.
O’Sullivan and Robertson are in action this week at the Xi’an Grand Prix, with the Thunder from Down Under playing Leone Crowley in his opening round and the Rocket taking on Iulian Boiko.