'Roger Federer is Lionel Messi, Novak Djokovic is Cristiano Ronaldo' – Peter Crouch and Jermaine Jenas on GOAT debate

09.06.2023 - 09:21 eurosport.com

Peter Crouch and Jermaine Jenas both view Roger Federer as the greatest men’s tennis player of all time despite believing Novak Djokovic will end his career with the most Grand Slams.

The GOAT debate has long featured in tennis across an era where Federer, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have taken the game to new levels.

Ad Federer was the first man to reach 20 Slams, but the now-retired Swiss maestro has since been overtaken by Djokovic and Nadal, who are tied on 22 majors apiece.

Roland-GarrosFrench Open order of play, Day 13 – Alcaraz takes on Djokovic, Ruud v Zverev in men's semi-finals14 HOURS AGO Djokovic looks on course to pick up more Slams this year, while an injury to Nadal could make 2024 his final year on tour, but despite their battle it is Federer who shines brightest for Crouch and Jenas, who were talking ahead of the Champions League final — which is live on BT Sport. “It’s got to be Federer, surely,” said Jenas, to which Crouch agreed, saying Federer was “a beautiful player to watch”.

tennis Sporting athletics on Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo Roger Federer Rafael Nadal Jermaine Jenas Peter Crouch France Switzerland

Laura Robson says it’s “hard to bet against” Novak Djokovic winning Wimbledon for an eighth time to equal Roger Federer’s all-time record. Djokovic heads to Wimbledon on the back of his record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam victory at the French Open. Ad He has won the last four editions and hasn’t lost at the tournament since 2017.

Novak Djokovic will be undisputed tennis GOAT if he wins 'a few more slams', says Roger Federer's ex-coach Ivan Ljubicic

Novak Djokovic will be the undisputed tennis GOAT if he wins «a few more Slams», reckons Roger Federer's ex-coach Ivan Ljubicic. Djokovic moved clear of Rafael Nadal onto 23 men's slams with his recent triumph at the French Open, and the Serbian could go two clear when he steps out at Wimbledon next month, as he aims to land a record-equalling eight title — tied with Federer.

Catherine, Princess of Wales makes small error playing tennis with Roger Federer on Wimbledon court: watch

During a 2022 trip to the Bahamas, Kate Middleton jokingly poked fun at Prince William after he turned down an opportunity to try conch, saying she is "more adventurous," as she tried it without hesitation.

Novak Djokovic to join Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune at Hurlingham Tennis Classic ahead of Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic is set to join Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune in playing the Hurlingham Tennis Classic ahead of Wimbledon. The SW19 curtain-raiser takes place from 27 June to 1 July, and provides the last chance for players to hone their grass-court games before the third major of the year kicks off just down the road on July 3.

Roger Federer: Eight-time Wimbledon champion 'hopes' Rafael Nadal will make an imminent return to tennis

Roger Federer is keen to see his long-time rival on the court and friend, Rafael Nadal, back playing and challenging for Grand Slam titles. The 41-year-old retired from professional tennis in 2022 after not playing in a singles tournament since Wimbledon in 2021. His final ATP event was last year's Laver Cup, with his final match being a loss as a doubles partner to Nadal.

"Hard To Say...": Roger Federer's Honest Take On GOAT Debate

Roger Federer described Novak Djokovic's record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title achievement as "unbelievable" on Wednesday but avoided anointing his old rival as the greatest player of all time. "I think what Novak has done is unbelievable," said Federer, who racked up 20 Grand Slams before he retired last year. Djokovic edged ahead of 22-time major winner Rafael Nadal when he won his third French Open in Paris earlier this month. Federer, 41, speaking at the Halle grass-court tournament on Wednesday, admitted however it was "hard to say" who was best player of all time.