In a recent interview with RMC, three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka addressed the GOAT issue, which involvs Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Wawrinka told during the interview about the Big 3: “I’ve never had a problem speaking my mind. The question of the GOAT is very complex and intricate, because we need to agree on the meaning of that expression.
What are the criteria that determine the greatest ever? There is no objective answer to this question. On top of that, it’s not easy to judge athletes who are still active. It is always best to make these speeches when all the contenders have finished their careers.
Certainly, if we talk about results and pure statistics, Novak Djokovic is ahead of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Not to brag, but several years ago I already predicted that he would surpass them. They had the good fortune and bad luck of playing in the same era, which was great for the fans.
Those three have marked the history of tennis in different ways.”
The Big 3 have dominated tennis
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have delighted fans for a decade and a half, creating one of the most spectacular eras in the history of the sport.
Not only did the Big 3 play in the same era, they completely rewrote the record books. Their continued successes and the splendid battles they forged have fueled the debate as to the greatest ever. Federer held the Grand Slam record for many years, as well as being the most loved player by fans.
The Swiss’ career ended in September last year, thanks to a serious problem with his right knee. The 41-year-old from Basel had to cede most of his records to Nadal and Djokovic, who are currently tied at the top of the all-time Grand Slam rankings (both at 22).
The Serbian star player also holds the record for weeks at the top of the world rankings and is back on top after clinching his 10th Australian Open a few weeks ago.
