Just In: Carlos Alcaraz changes his mind on tennis GOAT and reveals new pick
Carlos Alcaraz has shared his opinion on who is the greatest tennis player of all time, having changed his mind from his younger years. The age-old debate usually boils down to a three-way fight between Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Federer was one of the most influential sportspeople on the planet at the peak of his powers and is still remembered by many as the greatest player to ever grace the tennis court.
Nadal, meanwhile, is revered for his dominance on clay, with his stronghold at the French Open unlike anything we have seen before or since. But in terms of pure numbers, Djokovic stands head and shoulders above the rest. Alcaraz believes the Serb deserves to be recognised as the sport’s greatest player, despite idolising Nadal when he was a boy.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Laver Cup, the young Spaniard said: “For me, Nadal is something that I look up to when I was a little kid growing up.
“But the GOAT in terms of numbers, everything he has in tennis, he won everything not only once, twice, is Djokovic.”
Djokovic has more Grand Slam titles than any other male player with 24, while Nadal retired on 22 and Federer walked away from the sport with 20 to his name.
There is still a chance that Djokovic could add to his tally before he hangs up his racket, given that he is the only member of the so-called Big Three still playing professionally.
It’s not the first time Alcaraz has put the Serb forward as the greatest player in tennis history, having made the same point two years ago.
He told the ATP Tour website in 2024: “As far as numbers, it’s Novak Djokovic without a doubt. The other two, [Roger] Federer and Rafa [Nadal]. For me, they’re tops.”
Nadal, meanwhile, agreed that Djokovic was the GOAT before retiring from professional tennis later that year.
“He’s a player who has managed to maintain a very high level and improve every year,” he told AS. “The numbers show he’s the best, which means his tennis has also been the best.
“And he’s been the most injury-free, which allowed him to maintain his physical, mental, and tennis levels longer than anyone. That’s why he’s the best, and he’s earned it.”
