Tim Henman has given his verdict on the best tennis player in history after the age-old debate resurfaced at Wimbledon.
For years fans and pundits have debated the greatest male tennis player in the Open Era, with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic the top three contenders.
Federer’s sensational career produced 20 Grand Slam titles – eight of which were won here at Wimbledon, a record at the All England Club.
Nadal retired last year with 22 Grand Slam titles to his name and having established himself as the undisputed King of Clay with a staggering 14 French Open wins.
Djokovic is the only of the trio still playing and is hoping to win a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title before hanging up his racket.
The 38-year-old, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, survived a scare to beat France’s Alexandre Muller in the opening round of this year’s Championships.
Djokovic called for a medical timeout shortly after Muller levelled the match at one set apiece but emerged stronger from the pause in play to win in four sets.
During the match on Centre Court, BBC commentator Andrew Castle raised the ‘GOAT’ debate as a subject of conversation and asked Henman for his thoughts on a discussion that continues to divide fans.
‘When the topic of the greatest player of all time comes up, I think it does become a numbers game,’ said former British number one Henman, who played all three of the tennis greats during his career.
‘Certainly on the men’s side of the equation, Novak Djokovic with 24 Grand Slams and so many other records like the most weeks at No. 1. There’s many, many more records for Novak too.
What has Rafael Nadal said about the GOAT debate?
Rafael Nadal previously hailed Novak Djokovic as the greatest player of all time but named Roger Federer as his ‘biggest rival’.
In an interview with AS, Nadal said: ‘He [Djokovic] is a player who has managed to maintain a very high level and improve every year.
‘The numbers show he’s the best, which means his tennis has also been the best.
‘And he’s been the most injury-free, which allowed him to maintain his physical, mental, and tennis levels longer than anyone. That’s why he’s the best, and he’s earned it.
‘I’ve played Djokovic more than anyone else, but for me, my biggest rival was Federer. When I came onto the circuit, Federer was already there, and he was the first.
‘In the prime years of my career, it was Roger and Novak. But in those early years, which are so impactful, it was always Roger.
‘I think, and I don’t know why, that my rivalries with both of them were more intense than the one they had with each other. I’m not sure why, but I feel like the world sees it that way too.
‘Maybe with Roger, it was because our styles and approaches to the sport were so contrasting. And with Novak, it was an incredible challenge.’
‘I think it’s tough to argue that anyone has surpassed his achievement’s in the men’s game.’
Djokovic is attempting to win a 25th Grand Slam at the age of 38 and in the face of fierce competition from two-time defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz and world number one Jannik Sinner.
Asked if he believes Djokovic is capable of rivalling Alcaraz and Sinner for Grand Slam titles at this stage of his career, Henman added: ‘On a grass court, yes.
‘On a clay court, over five hours, he’s probably not going to beat Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner at this stage of his career.
‘But given his knowledge and know-how of grass-court tennis, yes. It’s less physical as well. He’s won seven times here.
‘I think this is a very good opportunity for Djokovic to add to his Grand Slam tally.’
Responding to Henman’s comments on Djokovic, Castle said: ‘Enjoy him while he’s still here.
‘He’s 38 – only [Gael] Monfils is older in the draw. This realistically could be his last real shot at winning a Grand Slam championship.’
Djokovic overcomes issues to advance at Wimbledon
Djokovic produced some brilliant tennis in his first-round Wimbledon win but concerned his fans by taking a medical timeout.
Former British tennis star Annabel Croft described Djokovic as being ‘unsteady on his feet’ and the Serbian later said he was struggling with stomach pain.
Croft, conducting an on-court interview, also asked Djokovic if he believed he could win a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.
‘I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I had a chance to be honest,’ a defiant Djokovic said.
‘I think I always have a chance and I’ve earned my right to really feel like I can go all the way to the title.
‘It’s just the beginning of the tournament, there are many fantastic players in the draw, but I look forward to it.’
Djokovic will face Great Britain’s Dan Evans in the second round at Wimbledon. Sir Andy Murray’s former doubles partner Evans beat fellow Brit Jay Clarke in straight sets in round one.
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