The ‘GOAT’ (Greatest Of All Time) debate in sport often divides opinion, and tennis is no exception, with fans split between Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer. However, former Russian star and World No. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov believes Federer’s case has been increasingly overlooked, arguing that an overemphasis on numbers has pushed Nadal and Djokovic ahead in the discussion.
Roger Federer Eclipsed by Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the GOAT Debate As Former World No. 1 Shares His ‘Personal Opinion’
Federer’s place in any discussion about the sport’s greatest is unquestionable. The Swiss legend set an extraordinary benchmark with his calm on-court demeanor, fluid backhand, and commanding serve, and that proved difficult for even his fiercest rivals to match.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Federer captured 20 Grand Slam titles and 103 tour-level trophies, while spending a total of 310 weeks atop the ATP rankings, including a record-breaking 237 consecutive weeks at World No. 1.
Nadal, meanwhile, established himself as one of the most dominant players ever. The Spaniard amassed 22 Grand Slam titles and 92 tour-level trophies, with his unparalleled supremacy on clay yielding a record 14 French Open crowns and the enduring moniker of the “King of Clay.”
The Spaniard, who retired in Nov. 2024, also showcased extraordinary consistency, spending an astonishing 912 consecutive weeks inside the ATP Top 10.
Djokovic, meanwhile, remains an active and defining force on the tour. The Serb has claimed 101 tour-level titles, including a record 24 Grand Slam trophies, with his most recent Major triumph coming at the 2023 US Open. As he continues his pursuit of a historic 25th Grand Slam, Djokovic most recently competed at the 2026 Australian Open, where a commanding run ended in the final against Carlos Alcaraz.
The trio ushered in one of the most compelling eras in tennis history, with their brilliance constantly fueling debate among fans. Recently, Kafelnikov weighed in on the Big Three and the enduring ‘GOAT’ discussion during an appearance on the Hard Court podcast.
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The former World No. 1 suggested Federer is being overlooked in today’s GOAT debate because fans now prioritize raw title numbers, which place Nadal and Djokovic ahead.
“To be honest, everyone has already forgotten Federer. That’s my personal opinion. He has 20 Grand Slam titles. Objectively, Rafael Nadal has 22 and Novak Djokovic 24. For some, Federer will remain the greatest player of all time, but the numbers don’t lie. Performance is measured by the number of tournaments and titles won.”
Although the debate among fans continues unabated, it’s worth highlighting that beyond Grand Slam numbers, Djokovic also holds the edge in head-to-head battles. The Serb leads Nadal 31–29 and had a 27–23 advantage over Federer.