Rafael Nadal has reinforced his view that Novak Djokovic is the greatest tennis player of all time and believes his former rival still has a realistic chance of winning Wimbledon. Djokovic, 39, is chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title and aims to match Roger Federer's eight Wimbledon crowns. He began his SW19 campaign with a four-set victory over Wu Yibing.
Nadal's GOAT Verdict Based on Numbers
Speaking to CNBC Sport, Nadal said: '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.'
The Spanish legend, who won 22 Grand Slams and a record 14 French Open titles, emphasized that Djokovic's longevity and motivation keep him in contention. 'Novak is still here because he loves this sport and feels the passion to compete. While he maintains that motivation and his body allows it, he will continue to have chances to fight for the most important tournaments,' Nadal added.
Djokovic's Decline and New Rivals
Djokovic has not added to his Grand Slam tally since 2023, and the emergence of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz has raised doubts about his ability to claim the 25th major. Sinner, the world number one and defending Wimbledon champion, is the heavy favourite to win a fifth Grand Slam. Alcaraz, 23, already has seven major titles despite missing Wimbledon and the French Open through injury.
Nadal acknowledged the unpredictability of tennis when asked if Sinner or Alcaraz could emulate the big three. 'I don't know. 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,' he said.
Wimbledon Second Round Matchups
Djokovic faces Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round, while Sinner takes on Portugal's Nuno Borges. Sinner overcame a scare in his opener, twice coming from behind and recovering from heavy falls to beat Miomir Kecmanovic. Nadal's comments come as Djokovic seeks to strengthen his GOAT claim with a 25th Grand Slam and an eighth Wimbledon title.
