Rafael Nadal’s uncle and life-long coach Toni Nadal believes Roger Federer and not his 14-time grand slam champion nephew deserves to be considered the greatest tennis player of all time.
Federer holds the record for grand slam titles with 17, adding his first Davis Cup title last weekend to his list of achievements.
“I think he is (the best of all time), the numbers say so,” Toni Nadal told Spanish radio station Cadena COPE.
“Federer is the best in the history of the game alongside Rod Laver and, unfortunately for us, it is like that.”
However, Nadal has consistently had the upper hand on the world No.2 throughout their illustrious careers.
The Spaniard holds a 23-10 record over Federer and hasn’t lost to him in a grand slam since the 2007 Wimbledon final.
“I don’t know why that is. Federer’s game doesn’t affect Rafael as much. In any case, one is the best for the titles they win.
“Federer has won 17 grand slams – Rafael has won 14. He was No.1 for five years – Rafael for three. Therefore, there is no discussion; he is the best.”
And he added current world No.1 Novak Djokovic isn’t far off the level of Federer and Nadal despite being some way behind in grand slam titles with seven to his name.
“Djokovic is a great player. For me, he is almost at the level of Federer.
“He is very good. I don’t know if he is better or worse than Rafael.
“In titles, Rafael is better than him. In terms of how they play, I don’t know. At the end of the day, everyone is free to have whatever opinion they want.”
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