Rafael Nadal has reiterated his stance that Novak Djokovic is the 'greatest tennis player of all time' and insists the Serbian legend still has a 'chance' to win Wimbledon. Djokovic is pursuing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title and aiming to match Roger Federer with eight Wimbledon crowns. The 39-year-old, who has not won a major since 2023, began his SW19 campaign with a four-set victory over Wu Yibing.
Nadal's GOAT Verdict
Speaking to CNBC Sport, Nadal dismissed doubts over Djokovic's ability to claim the 25th major, pointing to the Serb's enduring motivation. 'Novak is still here because he loves this sport and feels the passion to compete,' Nadal said. 'While he maintains that motivation and his body allows it, he will continue to have chances to fight for the most important tournaments. What he has achieved is extraordinary. We have all taken our careers to the limit, and he continues to do so.'
Nadal, who won 22 Grand Slams including a record 14 French Opens, argued that the numbers already crown Djokovic as the greatest. 'It's all about numbers. When I say Novak is the best tennis player of all time it's because that's what the numbers say. You need to look at the numbers when you deliver that question over who is the GOAT. Then you look at what players create for others, and the emotions and the inspiration they create with their tennis.'
Can Sinner and Alcaraz Emulate the Big Three?
Fans are speculating whether current world number one Jannik Sinner and 23-year-old Carlos Alcaraz can match the achievements of Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal. Sinner, the heavy favourite for a fifth Grand Slam and second Wimbledon title, overcame a scare in his opener against Miomir Kecmanovic, recovering from two sets down and heavy falls. Alcaraz, who missed Wimbledon and the French Open due to injury, already has seven major titles.
Nadal remained cautious about their prospects. 'I don't know. I mean, you need to play well for a super long time. Today it looks like Sinner and Alcaraz don't have rivals but it depends because new great rivals could arrive on the tour. It depends how tough it will be for both of them to keep winning that often, and they will have to stay away from injuries. You never know, life and tennis are unpredictable.'
Djokovic's Wimbledon Path
Djokovic faces Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round of Wimbledon, while defending champion Sinner takes on Portugal's Nuno Borges. A 25th Grand Slam title and eighth Wimbledon would further cement Djokovic's legacy, but Nadal believes the Serbian already deserves the GOAT accolade based on statistics alone.
