Live Scores

TV Listings

News

Photos

Blogs

Forums

VIDEOS

Podcasts

Players

Tournaments

Members

Groups

Tennis Now Point/Counterpoint > October 2011

Tennis Now Point/Counterpoint: Is Federer The GOAT?

Tennis Now's James Waterson and Sean Bradley debate whether or not 16-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer can be considered the greatest tennis player of all time.

Who do you think is right? Leave your thoughts below!

What's on your mind? Post a comment below.

Posted by on 10/7/2011 1:37:05 PM

Filed under: all, federer, greatest, of, point/counterpoint, roger, time

Current rating: 0 (0 ratings)

Bookmark this page to:

Share Your Thoughts: Post a comment below.

Trackback URL: http://www.tennisnow.com/trackback/d0d313cc-aeff-4fc3-86db-6e35ae49f0be/Tennis-Now-Point-Counterpoint--Is-Federer-The-GOAT-.aspx

Comments

	MSUshopgirl
	Sean - You can't be serious!
	10/7/2011 6:40:06 PM

	Dick Wagner
	Bill Tilden was gorgeous and liquid, cunning, effortless, and beat everyone in his day. Laver beat everyone and had two calendar slams, and was off for a half decade. One can only be judged against their contemporaries. For me, Feder is THE best. Smoothest, way fast, powerful, and winningest in slams. ANd a nice guy to boot.
	10/7/2011 6:43:18 PM

	Phil VanTho
	Federed, of course, is a great Player ... if not ... the greattest one (up to this time). Beside having the best technical & social skills, modesty, sense of humor, he knows how to ... allow and grant others players (counterparts) the "spotlight" on the courts.
	10/7/2011 6:45:06 PM

	Salman Aasi
	Why is Nadal winning the Olympics as a singles player so often overlooked? Does Federer have an Olympics gold medal in singles? You guys didn't even mention the Olympics! Nor did you guys discuss the contribution each player has made to his respective countries as Davis Cup champions! Federer also collected so many slams when Nadal was just coming up and no one really knew Rafa. During that era there were no players close to the consistent competition of every surface as Djokovic and Murray, which is also why Federer has not been as successful int he last few years' recent slams. Nadal has faced and defeated much greater competition.
	10/7/2011 6:51:32 PM

	Lloyd Klein
	Ditto on Dick Wagner's thoughts....! Plus..let's not forget...Rosewall, Kramer and the most tenacious to play the game..Jimmy Connors (gave 110% always..)
	10/7/2011 6:56:32 PM

	ursula
	For me Roger Federer is the greatest player in tennis history.
	10/7/2011 7:00:51 PM

	Dianne
	To me Federer is the best all time. I have thought so for years and even now with Djokovic doing great things. The Fed combined power, finesse and art. He can be compared to all the greats combined. No player has come along with his artistry along with booming serves and killer forehands. He is the ultimate tennis player with a combination of speed, power, touch on the court and a gentlemanly way of conducting himself at all times off the court. He has been an excellent statesman for the sport and does it all with savoir faire.
	10/7/2011 7:03:53 PM

	Candace
	Roger epitomize the platinum standard of tennis; style, sophistication, refinement. In every point of every match, in every interview, in triumph or defeat, Roger conducts himself with the elegance and sophistication we have come to associate with his persona. In his relaxed, unruffled manner we recognize the true measure of a champion. Roger exemplifies the very best of the game. If he never won another tournament, the above-stated would still be true. How dare anyone question the greatness of this veritable icon of modern tennis?!
	10/7/2011 7:38:25 PM

	Soupy
	Guys I like the discussion. But learn to look to the camera speak with out all the um's,um's aaa's and your voice tails off. Write your aurgments down and go point by point,It would be more interesting then.Federer is a great player one of the very best. But court surface, racket technology, player finess, nutrition and every thing players use to help their game are different. Along with the $$$ tennis is not a part time job even if your in the top 100. You really can't compare players now and 15-20 yearago.
	10/7/2011 7:39:44 PM

	TheTruong
	What is wrong with u people---Pete is the best! To be fair, I believe that Federer is the greatest of all time. 23 straight slam semis solidified that fact for me. Regardless, I still feel that Pete Sampras at his prime would have blasted any player(past or current) off the court and would have made it looked "insultingly easy".So, Federer is the Greatest....but Pete is the Best!
	10/7/2011 7:47:20 PM

	Lucien Tomlinson
	Federer is the best player of all times because of his all round game and the way he conducts himself. His movement on the court is full of grace and a beauty to watch. I think if he should employ a fitness trainer and get in shape like Agassi did he could be awesome for at least another two years!
	10/7/2011 7:47:57 PM

	George Gillian
	I think Rodger should call it quits.
	10/7/2011 8:10:18 PM

	Carol Fonaine
	I believe that Federer is the greatest of all time. His consistency over the years and his number of grand slam titles support this. Also, he has the most beautiful strokes, movement and variety of anyone.
	10/7/2011 8:11:04 PM

	Richard Einhorn
	It's difficult to make this judgment. Federer is a consummate player but he's not invulnerable. The greats of the past played under far less favorable conditions and with inferior equipment.It's not too controversial to say that if he were exactly contemporaneous with Sampras and Agassi each of the three would have fewer Grand Slam trophies. In addition, wecan plainly see that Nadal is Federer's true nemesis and will remain so indefinitely. Federer will never even their personal score.
	10/7/2011 8:52:54 PM

	Gary Burghdurf
	Fed's the greatest. His play and love for the game are also unparalled. He is now 30 and raising a family and still competing with the current #1 & #2 in the world. His 16 grandslams and consecutive semi & quarterfinals in slams is further testimony to his greatness. His loss to the Joker in this year futhers my belief. Djokovic has had one of the geatest years in tennis history and who beat him once and could have/should have won this year's open, and he is not in his prime. He did what Djokovic did for more than four years in a row and still completes with class and dignity. If the USTA would enforce proper speed of play he would still be beating some of these younger players in their prime. What does he have to prove. He simply plays with no excuses for the love and competition of the game. He is clearly the best player of all time. Should Nadal or Djokovic continue their careers and win as many or more slams, we may then whistle another tune. However, until then Mr. Federer had my vote.
	10/7/2011 9:00:07 PM

	Jane
	I think Roger Federer is the greatest that I have seen. When I say greatest I mean an all-around great role model for everyone that plays tennis. To me is the greatest and I hate to near the people sitting comfortably in their chairs with their mikes in hand disrespect him as he plays at tournaments. Yes, he is 30, has a family and can still walk out on amy court in the world and get a standing ovation. Who else can do this. He may be ranked #3 but he will always be #1 to me.
	10/7/2011 10:24:28 PM

	anuar aiza
	yes is the greatest, we can see in the last US open, he lost the point Nole never won, Federer is the most greatest pleyer. and jane is right he will always be #1.
	10/7/2011 10:38:04 PM

	Chris
	I can't believe people are even having this argument!!!! Ofcourse Roger is the greatest of all time!!!And what makes him great is the fact that he is supposedly on the fall right now......correct????Well if you ask me i think 99% of the tennis pros out there would take his fall over anybody's rise. I believe he will play 2-3 more years and can easily take 2-3 more grandslams which would leave to around 18. True i beleive Novak is in a league of his own this year and Rafa will always be the king of clay but overall Fed is the best. Not to mention looking at the overall consistenncy of Federer not to mention the fact that he should have beaten Novak at the US Open, but did however beat him in the French, and might I add the French Open final was alot closer than the score may appear. Roger Should have won that first set and if he did i believe he would have had his 17th major at the French. So to conclude although Novak and Rafa are great players in my mind Fed is the greatest of all time.
	10/7/2011 10:55:44 PM

	Kevin King
	I think Roger Federer is definitely one of the best players of all time. I must say, however, that either Nadal or Djokovic could win more grand slams than Federer. Both are at the top of their games & still in their prime. Federer has set many records but to be honest either due to age or maybe a little bit of loss of "the eye of the tiger" I have a difficult time beliieving he will win another grand slam. He as certainly made his mark on the sport & will not be forgotten but I think his time has passed.
	10/7/2011 11:13:10 PM

	The Tman
	If someone is going to say Fed is not the best, then they must say who the best is. He did not. He had not good pts. Based on that discussion, Fed must be considered the best. He needs to say who is the best and make a case. Fed is the best.
	10/7/2011 11:13:49 PM

	Sheridan
	I believe Federer is the greatest that has ever played. He has been so dominant at times in his career with 16 grand slams. He is so graceful, he makes tennis look like living art!
	10/7/2011 11:48:16 PM

	Ztrekker
	I promise you all Roger Federer, the greatest player of all time, will win another grand slam. He came EXTREMELY close at the french and to beating Mr. Djokovic in the recent U.S. semis....u'll see : )
	10/7/2011 11:56:55 PM

	Vanessade Oliveira

	10/8/2011 6:11:06 AM

	Jorge
	A Gentleman, serious about his game, respected and respectfull, NOT vulgar, like others. Federer the example to follow, one handed back hand, the real tennis player.
	10/8/2011 8:22:34 AM

	Jorge
	A Gentleman, serious about his game, respected and respectfull, NOT vulgar, like others. Federer the example to follow, one handed back hand, the real tennis player.
	10/8/2011 8:22:39 AM

	Susheel
	Forget the 16 slam titles. Forget the consecutive semifinals record. Forget the 6 yr domination of opponents. Forget the grace and no injury excuse career. If you are a tennis player and want to learn the best possible footwork, balance, strategy and stroke production for any shot, Fed is better than any textbook or video. That is why Roger is the greatest....
	10/8/2011 9:57:41 AM

	Karen
	There are SOO many MORE arguements saying Roger IS the GOAT than there are saying that he is not! GIVE IT UP!!! ROGER FEDERER IS THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME!!!!
	10/8/2011 10:18:57 AM

	virginia Kahn
	He is more than a great player: he is an artisit on the court and a wonderful example of good sportman ship to younger players. He is a class act! I love to watch him even on TV and at 84 years old he gives me a new joy in life and tennis
	10/8/2011 10:52:56 AM

	Claire
	I think that playing Davis cup should be entered into the discussion. Both Pete Sampras and Federer only played when they really had to. Players like Agassis and Nadal are almost always there for their country and team.time will tell on Rafa and Novak. I think one or both will surpass Roger in wins,and I will be happy to see it.
	10/8/2011 12:44:57 PM

	Andrea
	I think that Roger Federer is de GOAT, because of the 16 GS he has in his career.
	10/8/2011 2:00:24 PM

	Andy Roddick
	Do the math and skip the noise - Fed-Ex is/was the best ever in our lifetime & before. Even if he's lost to Nadal in most finals, Nadal is done physically. Drive at 150 mph (Nadal) vs. 80 mhp (Federer). Nadal got there faster, but his wheels are worn out. Nadal took different approach to tennis (fast/furious/done) vs. Federer (fast/smart/careful/longevity). Check Nadal's winning record 5 yrs from now - then we can reconsider Federer's position in history.
	10/8/2011 6:00:08 PM

	tim brielmaier
	We don't need labels like "greatest of all time" there have been great players in many different eras. You can't compare players who have had different racquets, strings, balls, better coaching, better technical knowledge, etc. Exampe: Rod Laver wasn't allowed to play in any of the slams from the time he turned professional until 1969. He would have many more in his record if not for that fact. There are too many variables to list. Let's get over our need for labels, and just enjoy tennis and the match ups of great players! I like Rodger a lot, but he doesn't need any labels.
	10/8/2011 11:38:13 PM

	Theo
	Sean is a effing idiot. He has no valid point other than the one he went on and on about how roger has an 8 to 15 record against Nadal. If you compare the two men's game, it's clear that Roger is the better player. Nadal has the edge in mental toughness when he plays roger. That's the only thing he has when you compare the two player.
	10/9/2011 2:27:31 AM

	Charlie
	Too many variables to factor in. Most all have some excellent points but I would need to do a whole lot of research before I would definitely name Roger as the "GOAT". That being said, Roger is by far my favorite player of this era. [ Side bar ---- I was a huge fan of Andre in his later years, Borg's ice cold emotions, Rafter's personality, Johnny Mac's abilities but not his playing antics, Rocket Rod's whole game, just to name a few].......Another thing to consider could be "How did each change the tennis world while they were playing and even after". Is the game better off now since Roger came on to the scene?? I think so!!!!!!!!!........With technology moving the game into new dimensions, it is hard to compare Rod Laver's accomplishments to Rogers's also. Put a wooden racket in Rafa's (or anyone elses for that matter)hand and see if he/they can generate the topspin or have the game they do today. Then the point about the surfaces was excellent. Wimbledon is not the same as when Pete won his string of trophy's - although I did watch Rafter lose to Pete after having match point on his racquet. As the surfaces and equipment changed, so did styles of play. What ever happened to the Serve and Volley players. They had to adapt because of raquet technology and returning ability. However,16 GS'scannot be overlooked and Roger was knocking on the door this year too. If Roger could win a Gold medal at the Olympics, a Davis Cup title, and beat Rafa at the French___Well then no one could argue that his accomplishments would shine brighter than anyone before him. My last word which could be the most profound are: If I had a son who played Tennis, would I want my son to epitomize Roger?? ABSOLUTELY.
	10/9/2011 10:07:41 AM

	mario
	Federer is the best tennis player so far.Nobody play like him
	10/9/2011 2:04:31 PM

	Louise Giordanelli
	What the HEdouble hockey sticks is Sean Bradely saying. He knows nothing. Roger Federer is the greatest tennis player of all time. Mr. Bradely doesn't know what he's talking about.
	10/9/2011 3:38:06 PM

	Ellen
	Sean, you can't be serious! Absolutely Roger Federer is the GREATEST tennis player of all time. I am not sure Sean is competent to participate in this debate. He seems to be clue-less.
	10/10/2011 1:43:51 AM

	Jerry
	!6 Grandslams and countless other titles. The most fluid and graceful on the courts. Most of his shots are considered perfect... "Perfect Backhand" FH, Serve, the list goes on. Moreover, he is considered to be the perfect ambasador for tennis. Recently named the second most influential man in the world behind Mandela... He is kind, generous and gracious... YES
	10/10/2011 9:13:02 AM

	Norman Marshall
	Federer is the greatest of all times. His other opponents never had so many good players playing against. Federer has beaten the best and at age 30 he is still a very fierce competitor even if he doesn't win another slam. Maybe Nada will be as great but not yet.Until he reaches 16 grand slams.
	10/10/2011 10:27:03 AM

	little ddung
	In my view,Roger Federer is the best tennis player ever.Not only for his excellent tennis skills but also his kind-hearted!He found Federer foundationto help kids to build their future!The foundation aid slogan is we are the future of tomorrow!
	10/11/2011 1:16:19 AM

	Ray Heavner
	Forget the grand slams. What more important is win/loss record. "Hands down Borg is the greatest tennis player of all time." I've been watching tennis for over 55 years now, Borg played the game clamly under all conditions ( ice man ) plus move better then Rafa or Novak at their peak on clay and grass. Better then Laver and Federer. Trust me on this. Hopefully one day there will be a system in place to prove greatness of past and present athletes thorough comparisons.
	10/12/2011 11:40:26 AM

	Brad Blume
	Don Budge won a true Grand Slam (all 4 players in the same). Rod Laver won a Grand Slam twice. After Rod won his first Grand Slam, he turned professional and was not able to compete again in the majors for many years. In 1969, when majors were open to pro players, Rod returned and won the Grand Slam again. How many majors would he have won if he had been able to play those several years inbetween. On the other hand, Rod and Don both won their Grand Slam when 3 of 4 majors were on Grass. Roger has a great record on Grass.
	10/12/2011 6:11:04 PM

	Joyce
	Depends on whose measuring, and how they're measuring. There are many different angles. Personally, Federer is my GOAT, as Pete Sampras was during his career.
	10/17/2011 2:41:40 AM

	Peter
	Isn't this pretty much just a copy of this blog: http://blog.tenniswarehouse.com/miscellaneous/pointcounter-point-a-heated-debate/ Real original guys!
	10/18/2011 1:35:54 PM

	devic007
	De gustibus non disputadum est. First of all, Federer did not win a single Garnd Slam, which means to win all four Majors (a proper name for the 4 biggest tournaments, called Majors) in one calendar year. So, get your vocabulary right. Second, there is no uniform formula one can use to value tennis players. What is the most important: nuber of majors, number of weeks being number one, number of Grand Slams, making people laughing end enjoying??? If the first, Federer is the greatest; if the second, Sampras is the greates; if the third, Rod Laver is; and if the fourt, Novak Djokovic would be a serious contender. So: Homines quod volunt credunt!
	10/20/2011 8:40:36 AM

	jeanius
	This debate is endless and the answer cannot not be set in stone. It's a matter of opinion. It's fun and interesting to ponder the question, however. My opinion? Federer is the GOAT, for all the reasons cited here.
	10/24/2011 4:20:47 PM