Questions over who stands as the greatest tennis player in history are likely to go on forever, given how much personal bias is wrapped up in any answer.
Some may gravitate towards the elegance of Roger Federer, while others could be swayed by Rafael Nadal’s relentless drive and determination through injury and fatigue.
Then there is Novak Djokovic, often included in those conversations alongside names like Serena Williams, Martina Navratilova, and Chris Evert.
It was actually Evert who weighed in on the topic back in 2021, giving her view without any hesitation.
Chris Evert picks who she believes is the best male tennis player ever
Nearly five years ago, during an appearance on FanSided’s Da Windy City podcast, the American tennis legend shared her thoughts on the debate.
Evert felt it was unfair to compare men’s and women’s tennis directly and gave separate answers for each side of the game.
She began by saying: “If you put all the best tennis players of all-time, I would say Serena.”
“If you said the most accomplished career, I would say more Steffi (Graf) and Martina (Navratilova). They have better numbers. They have a better percentage of winning, they won more tournaments, they just won a couple of less Grand Slams, but they are better in all the other categories.”
Evert went on to highlight Djokovic as her pick for the men’s side: “I think Novak (Djokovic), if he has another three or four years especially, I think he is going to have to be considered the greatest of all time. Mentally, physically, oh my gosh, and emotionally, he’s above them all, I think.
“Shot making, artistry: Roger Federer. Fitness and warrior fighter: Rafa Nadal. But Djokovic will win more tournaments and will win more Grand Slam tournaments and will have a better record.”
It is notable that the Serb is still active today and has even stated his intention to compete at the 2028 LA Olympics.
Novak Djokovic is still chasing the final piece of his legacy
There was a sense that Djokovic’s win at the 2024 Olympic gold medal might be his last big moment, given how much he had already achieved by then.
The 38-year-old completed his trophy collection after beating Carlos Alcaraz on clay at Philippe Chatrier.
But Djokovic is still around, and he has made it clear he is chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title – a number that would make it hard to argue against him being the greatest ever.
It is likely this pursuit keeps him going, even if younger players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have started to get the better of him more often.
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