The GOAT debate has been revolving around Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer for the number of Grand Slam titles they have won and the records they have broken. Greek tennis player
Stefanos Tsitsipas considers Roger Federer as the Greatest of all time when asked to choose between the ‘Big Three’ of tennis.
Ahead of his campaign at the 2023 Madrid Open, Tsitsipas spoke to Marca and expressed his thoughts on the GOAT debate. The Roger Federer fan chose him over Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. He feels that the Swiss legend is the best player in history.
“For me the best in history is not based on the titles, the number of Grand Slams or the number of matches you have won. The GOAT has to be the player who has attracted the most tennis fans to a court, the one who has inspired people the most to do something useful in their lives, the person who has made them enjoy the most. If we summarise all this in someone, that someone is Roger Federer. I stay with him and then I would say Rafa Nadal.”
– Stefanos Tsitsipas
The 2023 Australian Open and the 2021 French Open finalists were highly inspired by Federer during his younger days. He hails from the country of Greece which is not known for tennis. Now, he feels that he himself and Maria Sakkari have helped put Greece on the world tennis map in recent times. He also stated that a challenger or ATP tournament in the country will help the sport to grow further.
“I don’t really know because I haven’t been to my country for a long time. What is certain is that there are more outdoor tennis courts and that allows for more players. I’m glad to have contributed to it together with Maria. In order to continue growing, I hope that in the coming years challengers tournaments will be organized, and if possible, an ATP, which would be something incredible for our sport.”
-Stefanos Tsitsipas
When Stefanos Tsitsipas paid tribute to Roger Federer on his retirement
Stefanos Tsitsipas paid tribute to Roger Federer as he announced his retirement at the 2022 Laver Cup.
Tsitsipas paid tribute in an Instagram post and said that Roger Federer has conquered the world while also making the sport look effortless.
He came. We saw. He conquered. We admired. Thank you Roger Federer for elevating our sport to an unfathomable extent. For making this sport look so damn effortless, but complicated to emulate at the same time. You’r style, personality, talent, finesse and passion will be remembered in the games of tennis forever.
– Stefanos Tsitsipas in an interview
