Mateo Berrettini the world no. 6 in the ATP rankings and semi finalist at this year’s Australian Open has made some comments about who he thinks the GOAT is in Tennis.
The debate is regarding the big three, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Some would argue Rafael Nadal is the true GOAT as he has reached the unfathomable achievement of 21 grand slams.
“I swear, there is no answer,” Berrettini told Pa Repubblica, per Sportskeeda. “After all, I have lost many times against both of them. Nadal is a [left-hander] and takes you wherever he wants, giving you the impression of letting you play more and in the end he beats you.
Djokovic just deactivates you, he’s a great counter-attacker. The two of them, along with Federer, are the greatest tennis players of all time, sublime athletes. This is enough to understand what it means to have them in front of you.”
“It is only a matter of time, it will pass,” Berrettini said. “The same was true with Nadal, at the beginning. People said – ‘But he looks like this, he plays with the (long) capri shorts’.
“I understand people who love myths, I don’t feel bothered on the pitch [by fans supporting the ‘Big Three’ in matches],” Berrettini continued.
“Maybe I too, if I were in the stands, would cheer for them. Because cheering on Nadal, Djokovic or Federer means being together with your memories, it means remaining attached to a part of your heart. I find it romantic.”