Roger Federer told he is not in GOAT debate – despite 20 Grand Slam victories

Roger Federer is considered by many to be the greatest tennis player of all time – but not by current star Dominic Thiem.

Over his career the 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem has played some spectacular matches against the Swiss Maestro, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic – each member of the ‘Big 3’. The trio have each taken turns dominating men’s tennis for the past two decades, starting with the 41-year-old.

Through most of the 2000s and into the 2010s, he decimated every opponent with his sheer mastery on court, and won numerous Grand Slam crowns and spent many weeks at number one in the process. But Federer, now retired and due to the continued success of Nadal and Djokovic, Thiem appears to have ruled the 20-time major winner out of the GOAT conversation due to his tally of Grand Slams being overtaken.

“In my opinion, the Grand Slam titles should be the defining criteria when determining the best of all time, they are the four most important tournaments in tennis,” the Austrian said. “Everything else is fine, but it’s not the same. The Slams are what counts, so the GOAT will probably be the one with the most Grand Slams.”

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Djokovic tied Nadal’s record after clinching his 22nd major after winning the Australian Open last month. This sets up a mouthwatering battle with the great Spaniard at the French Open, with both players set to compete for a 23rd crown.

Thiem was impressed with Djokovic’s run to his 10th Australian Open title at Melbourne Park last month – which saw the Serbian drop just one set. “I am not very surprised, Djokovic still looks young,” he said. “Physically and mentally, because of the way he moves on the court. It’s like he was 25 years old.

“We have to be honest, he is the best, so his victory was not very surprising.” Thiem was one of the most dangerous players on the ATP Tour and possesses one of the most powerful and electric games on the circuit.

But for the last two years the Austrian has suffered with injuries and has so far struggled to regain his best form. Despite how challenging things have been for the former world number three, he has the belief he can once again contend for Grand Slams and return to the upper echelons of the game.

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“I still believe [that I will return to the top]. I’m not there yet, but there’s a reason to keep playing, be competitive and get back to that level,” Thiem said.

“In Australia I have had a tough picture. I also had a small injury, but I’m already recovered. I am very happy with the first Grand Slam of the season.”

This past weekend Thiem played in the Davis Cup representing his native Austria, but lost to Croatia’s Borna Coric 7-6(3) 6-2, ending his country’s hopes of a final day fightback in their 2023 Qualifier in Rijeka.

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