11 tennis stars who played Djokovic, Federer and Nadal name who is the best

Novak Djokovic’s dominance is the consensus among peers, positioning him as the likely favorite in Grand Slam and outright futures markets. Punters may lean toward Djokovic for upcoming majors while hunting value on surface specialists and upset-prone opponents in early rounds to boost returns.

GOAT Debate: Djokovic, Nadal and Federer Through Peers' Eyes

Novak Djokovic’s record haul — 24 majors and a lengthy reign at world No.1 — has tilted peer opinion firmly in his favor, but the debate still reflects different criteria: raw results, style, influence and iconic status. Eleven players who faced the Big Three have weighed in, offering perspectives that mix respect, technical analysis and personal anecdotes.

Players’ Verdicts

Andy Murray

Murray, who competed across the Big Four era, hailed Djokovic as the best tennis player of all time, arguing recent records cement Novak’s place and even calling him a legitimate candidate for the greatest athlete discussion.

Nick Kyrgios

Kyrgios called Djokovic the undisputed GOAT but praised Roger Federer as the most aesthetically pleasing player to watch, likening Federer’s effortless artistry to Michael Jordan’s brilliance in basketball.

Stan Wawrinka

Wawrinka suggested Rafael Nadal’s clay-court dominance made him the toughest opponent, recalling the physical and mental grind of facing Rafa at Roland Garros.

Dominic Thiem

Thiem favors an objective yardstick: Grand Slam titles. By that measure, he acknowledges Djokovic as the clear frontrunner in the GOAT conversation.

Milos Raonic

Raonic described Djokovic as the most puzzling opponent tactically, noting that while Federer and Nadal present clearer game plans, Novak’s adaptability makes strategy less obvious.

Daniil Medvedev

Medvedev, who briefly reached world No.1, said Djokovic remains probably the greatest of all time, despite Medvedev’s own high-profile wins and breaking the long No.1 stranglehold.

Gael Monfils

Monfils celebrated the era as a golden age and bluntly summarized Djokovic’s impact: “Djokovic has won everything,” a line underscoring the Serb’s comprehensive trophy cabinet.

Alex de Minaur

De Minaur praised Federer’s tennis brain when asked to design an ideal player, highlighting Roger’s tactical and aesthetic qualities even if Djokovic leads the stats.

Diego Schwartzman

Schwartzman, reflecting after retirement, said Nadal commands the most respect on court, describing the psychological edge Rafa brings, especially on clay.

Tim Henman

Henman called Djokovic the greatest male player he’s seen, pointing to Novak’s record of multiple titles across every major as decisive evidence.

Tomas Berdych

Berdych noted that while Grand Slam totals are the most objective measure, Federer’s cultural impact and iconic status could mean he “leaves a bigger mark” on the sport beyond numbers.

Betting Implications and Market Takeaways

Djokovic’s overwhelming peer endorsement and statistical superiority suggest bookmakers will continue to price him as favorite in Grand Slam outright markets. Punters seeking value should consider: - Backing Djokovic in majors only if odds reflect sufficient value. - Targeting specific-surface markets (e.g., Nadal-style clay specials) and early-round upsets where favourites might be vulnerable. - Looking at head-to-head and form-based bets for players whose styles match up well against Novak, rather than relying solely on reputation.

These player perspectives reinforce why Djokovic is the market mover, while Federer and Nadal remain influential for narrative-driven bets and long-term legacy markets.

Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal spent the better part of two decades at the top of men's tennis.

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