For nearly two decades, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal dominated the tennis world, collectively winning 66 Grand Slam titles and cementing their status as the ‘Big Three’ of men’s tennis. Their consistent brilliance across surfaces and eras fueled endless debates over who deserves the title of the greatest of all time (GOAT).
Djokovic now leads the Grand Slam race with 24 major titles, surpassing Nadal’s 22 and Federer’s 20. Despite Federer’s elegant style and Nadal’s dominance on clay, Djokovic’s relentless pursuit of excellence has given him the statistical edge in this intense rivalry.
Sam Querrey Weighs In: Djokovic is the GOAT
In a recent appearance on the Digital Social Hour podcast, former American ATP star Sam Querrey made his pick for the greatest tennis player of all time. Querrey, who climbed as high as world number 11, didn’t hesitate to name Djokovic as the undisputed best.
“I have [Novak] Djokovic as the best tennis player of all time,” Querrey stated.
However, Querrey acknowledged Federer’s lasting impact on the sport, highlighting the Swiss maestro’s ability to captivate audiences and inspire millions.
“The most impactful person, [Roger] Federer,” Querrey added. “If you went around the world [asking] who do you love watching the most and who made the biggest impact on your life, I think Federer wins that.”
Blind Resume: Djokovic’s Undeniable Supremacy
Querrey elaborated that if one were to compare Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal purely based on their resumes without names attached, Djokovic’s accomplishments would make him the clear choice.
“If I gave you three blind resumes—Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal—and said, ‘Who is the best here?’ You would be like, this guy definitely. It would be Djokovic,” Querrey asserted.
Querrey’s Experience Against the Big Three
Querrey, who faced members of the Big Three on multiple occasions, shared insights into the unique challenges posed by each legend. He recalled his rare victories over Djokovic, Nadal, and Andy Murray but admitted that Federer always left him perplexed.
“I played Federer five times and lost all five. I never even had a close set against him,” Querrey admitted. “I had a couple of sets that were like 6-4, but the way his game matched up to mine, it just didn’t sit right with me. He was able to put me in uncomfortable positions.”
Federer’s Aura: The Nervousness Factor
Querrey revealed that Federer’s stature and global popularity created an aura that made playing against him an unnerving experience.
“Federer, for whatever reason, his name seemed bigger, so I was a little bit more nervous,” Querrey explained. “Any time you played Federer, it was on Centre Court at Wimbledon or the French Open, or these big events where the crowd loved him.
“He was beloved everywhere, you were always nervous, and the crowd always wanted him to win. I could never really settle in against him, and I never got close to winning a set against him, even when I was playing at my best.”
Legacy and Ongoing Debate
The debate over the GOAT remains a topic of passionate discussion among tennis fans and analysts alike. While Querrey has cast his vote for Djokovic, Federer’s influence and Nadal’s unparalleled tenacity ensure that the conversation is far from over. As the tennis world continues to evolve, the legacies of these three icons will endure, shaping the future of the sport.