Roger Federer snubbed for Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in GOAT debate

Roger Federer has been discounted from the GOAT debate following his time sidelined with injury, according to former world No 3 David Ferrer. The Barcelona Open tournament director said it was currently a two-man race between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to be the greatest player, claiming the Spaniard was the current "best".

Ferrer was one of the rivals to the Big Three during the height of his career, reaching the world's top three and making the final of the 2013 French Open at his peak. Now retired, the Spaniard is the current tournament director of the Barcelona Open, being held this week, and took the opportunity to give his verdict on the GOAT race in men's tennis.

With Federer now 40 and Nadal and Djokovic in their mid-thirties, the 27-time title winner commended the duo for remaining on top and still winning Major titles in the later stage of their careers. "The best three are old. However, Rafa and Djokovic still point out the inscription, 'we are still here'. In the most important moments, they are still the best," Ferrer said.

Putting his support behind his countryman Nadal in the current standings of who is the greatest player, the Barcelona Open boss continued: "First, I don't want to think about when they will end their careers. I like the fact that I see this initiative to determine who is the best on the planet in this sport. And I like that Rafa is the best at the moment."

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Although Ferrer narrowed the GOAT race down to the two players, he didn't completely rule Federer out but explained that the Swiss ace would struggle to get back in the winners circle after playing just five tournaments in the last 26 months. "I think that