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Ivan Ljubicić uważa, że pojawienie się Rogera Federera i Rafaela Nadala oraz ich rywalizacja zmieniły tenis jako dyscyplinę sportu. Chorwat nie ma jednak obaw o przyszłość, gdy Szwajcar i Hiszpan zakończą zawodowe kariery.


39-letni Roger Federer i 34-letni Rafael Nadal to dwóch najbardziej utytułowanych tenisistów w historii. Obaj jednak zbliżają się do zakończenia wyjątkowych karier. W związku z tym pojawiają się pytania, czy po ich odejściu tenis wciąż będzie przyciągał tak ogromną liczbę kibiców. Ivan Ljubicić uważa, że przyszłość dyscypliny w erze po Szwajcarze i Hiszpanie nie maluje się w czarnych barwach.

- Zastąpienie Federera i Nadala będzie bardzo trudne, ale nie sądzę, że tenis jako sport jest zagrożony. Myślano tak, gdy odchodzili Borg i McEnroe, potem Sampras i Agassi, ale pojawiali się następcy. Być może ci, którzy będą po nich wygrywać, nie będą mieli tego samego uroku i charyzmy, ale z czasem wypełnią lukę - mówił trener Federera w wywiadzie dla "Tennis Magazine Italia".

Federer i Nadal zdobyli po 20 tytułów wielkoszlemowych. Chorwat nie chciał jednak ocenić, kto z tej dwójki jest lepszy. - Moim zdaniem nie ma jednoznacznej odpowiedzi. Nie jestem przekonany, że ten, kto odnosi największe sukcesy, automatycznie staje się tym największym. Albo że należy wymienić tylko jedno nazwisko.


- Nie ma wątpliwości, że turnieje wielkoszlemowe są najważniejsze - kontynuował. - Liczba tytułów w Wielkim Szlemie jest uczciwą miarą tenisisty. Ale tak jest od 15-20 lat, w przeszłości ich znaczenie nie było tak duże. Australian Open był mniej warty niż Monte Carlo czy Rzym. Porównując Lavera, McEnroe'a i Borga z współczesnymi zawodnikami, stwierdzenie, że liczą się jedynie wielkoszlemowe triumfy, nie wydaje mi się rozsądne.

Ljubicić jest zdania, że pojawienie się Szwajcara i Hiszpana było kołem zamachowym dla tenisa. - W sporcie istnieje pojęcie "dziedzictwo". Roger i Rafa zostawili ważny ślad w historii tenisa. Roger to nie tylko jego zwycięstwa, ale także to, jak gra, jak się zachowuje, jak żyje i co znaczy dla kibiców. Ta ich niesamowita rywalizacja i sukcesy są czymś wyjątkowym - ocenił.

- Oni zmienili sport. To, co widzimy teraz w tenisie, jest wynikiem tego, co robią od 2005 roku. W pewnym sensie to oni stworzyli Djokovicia, który musiał znaleźć sposób, by stawić im czoła. A także tych, którzy pojawili się później, bo musieli nabyć odpowiednich umiejętności, wiedząc, że mają do czynienia z dwiema takimi postaciami - dodał.

Ljubicić uważa, że po zakończeniu karier Szwajcar i Hiszpan pozostaną przy tenisie. - Obaj są zakochani w tenisie i nie znikną z tego sportu, gdy przestaną grać. Nadal ma swoją akademię, a Roger agencję menedżerską i stworzył Laver Cup - stwierdził.

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Hard to suggest Roger Federer is the GOAT when he doesn't have a winning record over Nadal & Djokovic: Todd Woodbridge
Roger Federer
Roger Federer
Soham Banerjee
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Modified 16 Dec 2020, 21:42 IST
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Todd Woodbridge recently spoke at length about Roger Federer, and what kind of legacy he is likely to leave behind.
The Australian believes Federer would look to sign off at Wimbledon, much like he himself did in 2005.

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Legendary doubles player Todd Woodbridge reckons that Roger Federer’s claim's to the ‘GOAT’ title is questionable given that he has an inferior head-to-head record against Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic - two of the other contenders for the crown.

During a recent conversation with Wide World of Sports Radio, Woodbridge had no hesitation in singling out Roger Federer as the ‘greatest all-court player’. However, the 22-time doubles Slam winner wasn't as convinced about the Swiss' candidature in the overall 'GOAT' debate.

"He's (Federer) the greatest all-court player," Woodbridge said. "I find it hard to suggest he is the greatest [of all time] when he doesn't have a winning record over Rafa and Novak."

Roger Federer trails Rafael Nadal 16-24 in the head-to-head, even though he has won seven of their last eight encounters. The 39-year-old has fared a little better against Novak Djokovic, but even there he has a losing 23-27 record.
Todd Woodbridge with Roger Federer in 2012
Todd Woodbridge with Roger Federer in 2012

Woodbridge also believes that Rafael Nadal’s utter dominance at Roland Garros has punctured Roger Federer's legacy. The Australian claimed he would have had no qualms in calling Federer the GOAT if the Swiss had managed to win at least three French Open titles - thus reducing Nadal's Paris haul correspondingly too.

“But his (Federer) game style, the way he's carried himself – Rafa spoiled it by dominating the French Open with 13 Grand Slam titles," Woodbridge added. "If Roger could've won three of them and Rafa just 10 – well then yes, he would've been (the greatest of all time).”

I really feel Wimbledon is where Roger Federer would like to leave: Todd Woodbridge
Roger Federer with his 2017 Wimbledon title
Roger Federer with his 2017 Wimbledon title

Todd Woodbridge had retired 15 years ago, on a bright summer's day at the All England Lawn Tennis Club - a place that he considers to be the 'mecca' of tennis. The Aussie believes Roger Federer could have a similar idea for his retirement, which doesn’t seem very far off at the moment.
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"I finished at Wimbledon because that was the mecca for me, that's where it all began, that's the home of tennis,” Woodbridge explained. "I really feel that's where Federer would like to leave, and it could then be on his own terms.”

Woodbridge also expressed his disappointment at the way the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted Roger Federer's signing off years.

"I think it's such a shame that if this is what happens to Roger, COVID has taken away from it being on his terms,” Woodbridge said.

The 49-year-old went on to assert that the ‘Big 3’ of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic have produced a golden era in men’s tennis. Woodbridge fears that tennis as a whole will 'struggle' when the three call it a day.

"It's a great story, it's great drama. It's been one of the greatest eras of any sport that we could've ever watched," the Aussie said. "You've got to think we will struggle to get back to those heights any time soon because they were phenomenal players to have all come through at once.”

Published 16 Dec 2020, 21:42 IST
2019 Wimbledon
Roger Federer
Rafael Nadal
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Can Rafael Nadal prevent Novak Djokovic from breaking Roger Federer's record of most weeks at No. 1? A look at all the scenarios
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Novak Djokovic/tennis
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after winning set point during his Men's Singles Semifinal match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eleven of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 30, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic Will Overtake Roger Federer But Not Rafael Nadal, Says Former British No.1 By
Purav Joshi
2 days ago
A simple question has brought the entire tennis world up to debate. Who will end up with most Grand Slams amongst the Big Three? Former British No.1 Greg Rusedski pondered upon the situation of Novak Djokovic against Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in 2021.


In the last four years (2017-2020), the Swiss maestro has added only 3 Grand Slams to his name. During the same time, the Serbian has won 5 whereas the Spaniard has won 6 major titles. Considering he is 39, experts think it’s highly unlikely for Federer to pull off one more Slam victory.

Djokovic is the youngest of the three and has the benefit of playing more tournaments. He is also fit and eager to break every set record in tennis. The 33-year-old ended his 2020 season as World No. 1, making him equal to American legend Pete Sampras’ record.


Rusedski stated that the Serbian will get ahead of Sampras and Federer’s records, but the Spaniard will lead him in the Grand Slam race. “He will [surpass Sampras’ record for most year-end No 1s and Federer’s record for most weeks as No 1, but the only guy I’m thinking is that Nadal might have more Slams than him,” said Greg.

“Djokovic is going to surpass Federer”: Former British No.1

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic - Wimbledon 2019
Roger Federer of Switzerland and Novak Djokovic of Serbia hold their trophies as they walk off Centre Court after the Men’s Singles Final during the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon in London, England.
Putting things in perspective, the retired British-Canadian player laid out the possibilities for the Serbian. “Djokovic is going to surpass Federer,” claimed Rusedski. Further ahead, he mentioned that Federer will concentrate only on Wimbledon.

However, compared to the Swiss maestro’s 103 ATP titles, the Serbian ace has 81. Greg added, “He won’t have the most wins or the most titles, but he will surpass him for most Grand Slam titles.” Therefore, the competition leaves behind Djokovic and Nadal according to the 47-year-old.

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Despite the absence of Federer and Nadal at the 2020 US Open, the Serbian couldn’t make the most of it. He got defaulted in a match for accidentally hitting a linesperson. Djokovic lost in the finals of the French Open, and as a default, Nadal reached 20 Grand Slams.

“I think the battle is between two guys. Not winning that US Open, that would’ve taken him to 18 instead of 17,” he said. “You’ve got to give him [Nadal] the French unless Thiem can knock him off his pedestal in Paris.”

“Novak Djokovic needs two Slams next year”: Rusedski

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates at the trophy presentation ceremony after winning the men’s singles final match against Dominic Thiem of Austria on day fourteen of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images)
To get ahead in the race of most Grand Slams, the World No. 1 will have to gear up his approach. With Federer returning at the Australian Open, the situation is reaching the boiling point. Greg concluded, “He needs two Slams next year at least, or three.”


If not, then Nadal will lead the Big Three in terms of Slams, believes Rusedski. The trio will compete with each other at the ATP Cup 2021 ahead of the Australian Open.

Who do you think will end up with the most Grand Slam titles?

Also Read: Roger Federer and Kei Nishikori Will Reportedly Make Their Debut at ATP Cup 2021

This post was last modified on December 26, 2020 4:58 pm

Tags: Novak DjokovicRafael NadalRoger Federer
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Roger Federer no longer part of 'GOAT' race, Novak Djokovic's feat of 300 weeks is underrated: Nikola Pilic
Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic
Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic
Soham Banerjee
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Modified 01 Jan 2021, 18:54 IST
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Former World No. 6 Nikola Pilic recently gave his thoughts on Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in context of the 'Greatest of all time' or GOAT race. According to Pilic, Federer’s claim to the GOAT title no longer holds any merit, seeing how both of his biggest records are on the verge of being broken. The Croat also believes Djokovic’s feat of 300 weeks (and counting) as World No. 1 has gone largely unnoticed by a section of the media.

Novak Djokovic recently went past the 300-week mark at the top of the ATP rankings. The Serb is expected to go past Roger Federer’s record of 310 weeks too, by 8 March 2021.

Meanwhile Rafael Nadal has equaled Federer’s all-time tally of 20 Grand Slams. With age on his side, the Spaniard is likely to surpass that figure - especially since he is the overwhelming favorite to win Roland Garros for at least a couple more years.

During a recent interview, Pilic elaborated on these setbacks to Roger Federer's legacy. The 81-year-old opined that the World No. 5 will find it 'very difficult' to win any more Slams given how tough the competition has become during his twilight years on tour.

"It's hard for me to imagine Roger Federer winning one or two more Grand Slams," Pilic said. "I'm not saying he can't, but it will be very difficult. You see, he now has, in addition to two greats Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, a constellation of younger players: Zverev, Medvedev, Thiem, and he is also 39 years old. In my opinion, the race for GOAT is reduced to two names."

Novak Djokovic is nine weeks away from equaling Roger Federer
Novak Djokovic is nine weeks away from equaling Roger Federer's record

At the moment, Novak Djokovic doesn’t hold the record for either most weeks as World No. 1 or most Slams won. But Pilic feels that the Serb's recent achievement of going past the 300-week mark is an outstanding feat in itself, despite the fact that it hasn’t received as much attention from the 'western media'.

"That's right (Novak Djokovic doesn’t have either record). However, it is not clear to me why the number of weeks is underrated in the first place, especially in the western media," Pilic said. "You know, if you have a player who is 300 or more weeks first, then that means he’s been dominant and constant for a full 10 years. Isn't that a great achievement?"

Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic & Rafael Nadal have slowed down but still have something to show: Nikola Pilic
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
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With Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal well into their 30s, and Roger Federer touching 40, there is no doubt that the legendary trio are past their peak years.

The 'Big 3' are still winning titles, but not with as much frequency as they once used to. They now face a lot more resistance from players like Dominic Thiem and Daniil Medvedev, who are consistently proving themselves on the big stages.

Nikola Pilic believes that the gap between the ‘Big 3’ and the NextGen has been greatly reduced already, and that it will eventually cease to exist. But he claimed that all three of them are still too good to fade away into oblivion.

"It is a natural process that the Big 3 slowed down significantly," Pilic continued. "However, that will surely happen. The difference between them used to be measured in miles, and now it's about centimeters. The old guard still has something to show."

Published 01 Jan 2021, 18:54 IST
Roger Federer
Novak Djokovic
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