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The answer to the question of which tennis hero is the greatest, the so-called GOAT (the greatest of all time), is usually also an emotional matter. For the Swiss it goes without saying that he is the master Roger Federer. For the Spanish, it is the Manacor bull, Rafael Nadal. After the impressive display of the Spanish against Djokovic and the conquest of the 13th title at Roland Garros, the sports newspaper “Marca” wrote on the cover. “Rafa, you are the best we will see.”
German tennis legend Boris Becker addresses this GOAT question for the English Daily Mail without national emotions, but analytically and objectively. And consequently, his great comparison between Nadal and Federer is probably more meaningful.
Right: Nadal 10, Federer 9
On the forehand, Becker gives Nadal the advantage over Federer. Due to the extreme grip, the Spaniard can generate so many spin that the opponent will have big problems, especially on the backhand. Federer’s forehand, on the other hand, is more classic, flat, devastating to opponents, but not with the monster effect like Nadal’s forehand.
Backhand: Nadal 8, Federer 8
On the backhand, Becker gives both players the same number of points. Federer, back on the classic route, one-handed, loose and dangerous, especially on fast surfaces. Two-handed Nadal with a lot of spin and much better than before. Becker believes this setback was one of the keys to Nadal’s resounding victory against Djokovic in Paris. Federer’s cut is better than Nadal’s.
Volley: Federer 10, Nadal 9
Federer Advantage. Because Becker thinks hand-eye coordination is so perfect with the Swiss that he can do just about anything he wants with his volley. Nadal also has a fantastic eye, but feels much more comfortable at the baseline than at the net.
Service: Federer 10, Nadal 9
Federer’s serve, arising from a smooth and seemingly effortless movement, is incredibly accurate and very difficult for the opponent to read. Becker sees the big advantage in the fact that Federer also has a great second serve. Nadal has greatly improved his serve, which was originally a weakness, in the last ten years. He adjusted his technique to make the serve more varied.
Agility: Nadal 10, Federer 9
Roger is obviously not at the level of ten years ago, but he is still incredibly good for his age. He still moves like a dancer, taking small, quick steps to get into position. But Becker sees the mobility advantage in Nadal. “Because of his size and muscle mass, he is incredibly agile.” He took the most impossible balls out of the corners against Djokovic.
All terrain: Nadal 10, Federer 10
Federer and Nadal can win Grand Slams in all documents. Federer has an advantage on grass, Nadal on sand. But both can be easily adapted.
Killerinstinkt: Nadal 10, Federer 10
You can always see Nadal’s tenacity, his unconditional will. According to Becker, it is like an open book. You don’t see Federer that way. But the Swiss have the same killer instinct. He just hides it behind a smile.
Longevity: Federer 10, Nadal 9
Federer, who turned 39 in August, is still on top of the world and firmly believes that he can still win a Grand Slam. This is why Becker gives the Swiss maximum points. With Nadal, however, you don’t really know what it will be like with him when he is 39 as Federer. Because Nadal’s style of play is more intense and the loads are much higher. Spanish makes up for it with an impeccable lifestyle.
Popularity: Federer 10+, Nadal 10,
Boris Becker says he met Nadal when he was 14 and Spanish has hardly changed since then. His humility and the respectful way he treats others is admirable. People would appreciate it too. Federer is perhaps a bit more popular than Nadal. He is one of the great world ambassadors of sport and perhaps one of the most famous people in the world, comparable to Muhammad Ali or Michael Jordan.
Becker, a seven-time Grand Slam winner, who is now a Eurosport tennis expert, analyzes a very fine victory for Federer. However, Novak Djokovic’s former coach points out not to forget the Serbian, who has an age advantage as he is five years younger than Federer and one year younger than Nadal. Furthermore, the Australian Open is Djokovic’s favorite tournament as an upcoming Grand Slam tournament. Down, Djokovic has already been in the top eight times. (pam)
