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

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”. Jenas went on: “Djokovic has the numbers and that athletic ability, but for me when you’re looking at sport, that element of grace and what it looks like when you do it has to come into it a little bit.

The way Federer played, that backhand…” Exclusive: Djokovic has 'a lot of guts' to want to be considered the GOAT — McEnroe Federer and Nadal my definition of 'GOAT' — Tsitsipas Who has most majors, Nadal or Djokovic? How will French Open impact GOAT race? Crouch then added: “Federer is Messi, right? Djokovic is Ronaldo.” “It’s exactly what it’s like,” replied Jenas. “[Djokovic] is the numbers, robotic, relentless, and he’s definitely going to finish his career with way more Slams than anyone that ever has.