Despite losing to Novak Djokovic at the US Open finals, there is little doubt that Roger Federer is still the greatest tennis player of all time.
However, the question is, how long will it last? If the primary basis in determining the best is the number of Grand Slam titles (there are other criteria, of course), Roger Federer is at the top with 17. The active player on his heels is Rafael Nadal at 14, but based on this year, he seems on the decline.
Novak Djokovic, on the other hand, is establishing himself as the heir apparent, and maybe even the usurper to the throne. While he is still quite a distance at 10, we must remember that he won three out of four this year. What is noteworthy is that Djokovic is six years younger at 28 while Federer is already battling Father Time at 34.
What also works in the Djoker's favor-it seems like Federer is still his main rival. When the legendary Swiss retires, who will be left to stop the Serbian rampage?
A feature on SI had Mats Wilander, 7-time Grand Slam titlist placing his bet on Djokovic to become the greatest ever.
"He's averaging two a year now," he said. "Why shouldn't he do it for the next three years? He's going to catch Roger. I think he's The Man."
Yet despite these advantages, not a few believe that Federer's record would stand. FTW points out that this is not the first time Federer's record was threatened.
"But remember, as recently as 22 months ago, it looked all but assured Rafael Nadal would be the one to pass Federer. He was facing an overmatched Stan Wawrinka in the Australian Open final, a title would have given him No. 14. Then he'd win the 2014 French (15 Slams) and be just two away with a few French Opens left still in his prime."
Nadal was on his way to become the GOAT, "then everything collapsed, Nadal lost to Wawrinka, got that French in '14, but hasn't been close to a Slam since. It can all go away, just like that."
Nadal is just 29, and another rival, Andy Murray is also at 28. Federer seems to have no business to be trampling about Grand Slam Finals with these young fellows in their prime, but the FTW article opines:
"Roger Federer is the gold standard for players maintaining a high level of play into their 30s. But even he, the greatest older player in the history of tennis, has just two Slams since hitting the big 3-0."
Perhaps that's all Roger is waiting for-protecting his record until Djokovic turns 30 in 2 years or until a clear rival who'll split the championship emerges.
One thing's for sure, Djokovic has his eye on the record as he told the New York Times:
"I would not be truthful to you if I would say I'm not thinking about it," Djokovic said. "Of course I am."