Tennis

Every time tennis legend Rod Laver has weighed in on the ‘greatest of all time’ debate

Legend Rod Laver, the only male player to have achieved a calendar Grand Slam in the Open Era, has weighed in the “greatest of all time” debate several times, often praising Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Here’s what he has said so far.

Rod Laver at the 2024 Laver Cup
© Maja Hitij/Getty Images for Laver CupRod Laver at the 2024 Laver Cup

When it comes to determining who is ‘the greatest tennis player of all time,’ there are many factors that come into play. However, among the names that always come up we can include Rod Laver, who is, to this day, the only man who has achieved the calendar Grand Slam in the Open Era. However, the legend himself has a couple of favorite players, often praising Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Here we recount all the times he has spoken on the ‘GOAT’ debate.

Laver competed fully in just two seasons of the Open Era, which began in 1968, winning five Grand Slam titles, including a calendar Grand Slam in 1969. Before the Open Era, he reached 14 of the 15 combined finals at the US Pro, French Pro, and Wimbledon, securing eight titles.

In 2024, Laver told Tennis World that it is “difficult” to compare players of different eras. “Over time, too many factors have changed, from materials to athletic preparation. Today there are entire teams that work for the players. The best thing is to celebrate the feats without doing comparisons,he said. With that in mind, here’s all the time he was close to choosing a GOAT.

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2016 – ‘Djokovic and Federer are equals’

In 2016, Laver said that he did not see differences between Federer and Djokovic when it came to talent. “I don’t think you put one of those two above the other when you look at their performances,” Laver told ESPN. “You know what Roger’s record is. But the way that Djokovic has been playing over the last year or so, I would say that Djokovic and Federer are equals.”

When you look at Djokovic’s performances and his results, you just have to say, ‘Hey, this guy’s unbelievable, and how can you look past him when discussing who is the best ever?'” he asked.

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Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic during the 2016 Australian Open ( Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic during the 2016 Australian Open ( Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

At the time, Federer had a record of 17 Grand Slams, while Djokovic had 12. Also, at the time, the Swiss had four years without winning a major, while the Serbian came from three years in which he won six.

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2018 – ‘Federer is the greatest that has come along’

Laver told The Sun in 2018, just after the Swiss’ 20th Grand Slam win, that he considered Federer “certainly the greatest player that has come along.” While acknowledging other greats, he highlighted Rafael Nadal’s dominance at Roland Garros, stating, “Yes, we’ve got lots of great players – look at Nadal with a record that says, ‘I’ve just won 10 French Opens,’ and you can’t sort of push that under the mat.”

However, he emphasized Federer’s ability to rise to the occasion, saying, “I think Roger plays his greatest tennis on the big occasions, on any surface.” Laver also praised Federer’s longevity and unique playing style. “He’s stood the test of time. That’s probably the one thing that puts you in that category of the best ever,” he said.

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He marveled at Federer’s success at 36, calling it “unusual to see a wonderful champion like that be able to win after seven tough matches […] He just seems like he’s floating all around the court, he’s not running. That’s something else, he added. “I marvel at the age of 36 to be playing what I think in many ways is the best tennis that he’s played.”

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2021 – ‘Federer is the greatest of his era’

In 2021, Laver once again praised Federer. “For me, I think Roger is the champion of his era. I think he’s certainly, you know, you look at his record and there’s a lot to say he’s the best of all-time,” he told foxsports.com.au from his home in California.

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Djokovic andFederer look on during the Centre Court Centenary Celebration in 2022 (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Djokovic andFederer look on during the Centre Court Centenary Celebration in 2022 (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Djokovic is certainly on his way because he won a huge amount of tournaments and his consistency is amazing,” he added. It was that year when Djokovic tied Federer’s 20 Grand Slams, and in 2023, the Serbian won his 24th major title.

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2024 – Djokovic is an ‘incredible champion’

Speaking with Tennis World recently, Laver defended Djokovic, as the press started to speak on his “low level” on court. Laver said, “Novak is an incredible champion. He constantly fuels his mental strength and motivation. Precisely for this reason and for all the successes he has achieved in his career, it is expected that he can always win every match.”

Laver and Federer’s long friendship

Roger Federer and Rod Laver share a deep mutual respect that has grown into a close friendship over the years. Federer has often praised Laver’s impact on tennis, acknowledging the sacrifices his generation made to advance the sport. Their bond was further strengthened through the Laver Cup, an event Federer helped create to honor the Australian’s legacy.

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rod laver and roger federer

Rod Laver and Roger Federer at the 2024 Laver Cup (Gerald Matzka/Getty Images for Laver Cup)

Federer has described Laver as “incredibly humble” and “the nicest man,” appreciating his role in shaping modern tennis. He has spoken about how players of Laver’s era received little recognition despite their contributions.

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