tennis

Andy Murray reveals his pick for the greatest player between Federer, Djokovic and Nadal

British tennis legend Andy Murray, now coaching Novak Djokovic, made a bold claim about who holds the title of the greatest tennis player in history.

Andy Murray, coach of Novak Djokovic of Serbia is seen during the 2025 Australian Open.
© Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesAndy Murray, coach of Novak Djokovic of Serbia is seen during the 2025 Australian Open.

The debate over the greatest of all time (GOAT) is a hot topic in tennis, much like it is in other sports. For many, the answer lies within the “Big Three“—Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal. Over the years, opinions have varied, but Djokovic’s recent achievements have given him a significant edge in the conversation.

Now, Andy Murray, who battled against all three during his career and currently serves as Djokovic’s coach, has weighed in with a decisive opinion. The three-time Grand Slam winner not only placed Djokovic atop the tennis pantheon but also called him one of the greatest athletes in history—a monumental compliment.

Novak broke many records in 2023, and the last thing on his bucket list at the time was to win the Olympics,” Murray shared in an interview with The Telegraph. “In my opinion, from watching his matches last year, there was at times a little bit missing, but there wasn’t at the Olympics, and at Wimbledon”.

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When he was fully motivated and fully focused, he won the Olympics, which is an incredible achievement,” Murray continued. “Novak has, in the last few years, cemented himself as the best tennis player of all time, certainly of his generation, with the records that he’s achieved”.

Gold medalist Novak Djokovic of Team Serbia celebrates on the podium. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Gold medalist Novak Djokovic of Team Serbia celebrates on the podium. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

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Looking ahead, Murray expressed even greater aspirations for Djokovic, saying, “I think if he can go out as a 38- or 39-year-old and win more Slams, and beat players like Alcaraz and Sinner in big matches, he’s got a claim to be the best athlete of all time. That’s exciting for me and his team to be part of”.

Murray on the challenge of coaching Djokovic

Andy Murray took on the role of coaching Djokovic following his own retirement, debuting courtside during the 2025 Australian Open. Djokovic began the tournament with a victory over Nishesh Basavareddy.

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The former World No. 1 admitted to feeling nervous leading up to the matches but said he was able to settle into his new role once play began. I felt a lot of nerves in the buildup to the matches, but when I was watching it, I felt like I was able to switch that off,” Murray said in an interview with The Guardian.

“I felt calm at the side and was watching, trying to do my job at times,” he added. “At the end of the match with Alcaraz or during important moments, you feel the nerves and things, but not to the same extent as when you’re playing”.

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He also acknowledged that there’s room for improvement in his technical coaching skills. “As a player, I understood the basics, but not as deeply as some of the highly experienced coaches I’ve worked with over the years. Many of them were exceptionally strong in that area,” Murray admitted.

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