Ivan Lendl: 'Roger Federer is leading the race at the moment'

A topic debated by generations of professionals, journalists and enthusiasts is that related to GOAT. Each era has produced sensational champions; ours produced Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, but how can we forget fantastic icons of the recent past such as Pete Sampras, Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe?

Federer has won a record eight Wimbledon men's singles titles, six Australian Open titles, five US Open titles (all consecutive, a record), and one French Open title. He is one of eight men to have achieved a Career Grand Slam. Nadal has won 19 Grand Slam singles titles, the second-most in history for a male player, as well as a record 35 ATP Tour Masters 1000 titles, 21 ATP Tour 500 titles and the 2008 Olympic gold medal in singles.

Djokovic has won 17 Grand Slam singles titles, the third-most in history for a male player, five ATP Finals titles, 34 ATP Tour Masters 1000 titles, 14 ATP Tour 500 titles, and has held the No. 1 spot in the ATP rankings for over 280 weeks. 

Former World number 1 Ivan Lendl insists the greatest player of all time (GOAT) debate in tennis can only be settled once Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have retired. “It’s between Novak, Rafa and Roger on who ends up with the most majors and who is considered the best of all time in the Open Era,” he told Australia’s Channel Nine.

“All you can say at the moment is that Roger is leading the race – the race has not been finished. When they retire the race will be finished and you will be able to judge. The race is far from over. You have to go with Roger right now, but I’m not closing the book on that. Who is the most popular is one thing but who is the greatest is not being judged by popularity,” he added.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3fNDlDk