The G.O.A.T. debate is never-ending in the world of tennis.
Fans constantly argue cases for and against each member of the ‘big three’, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.
Do you think Rafael Nadal is the GOAT? 🐐
And that’s before you consider the legends of women’s tennis, such as Serena Williams and Steffi Graf.
It’s an impossible question to answer, although Emma Raducanu seems pretty sure of her pick!
Emma Raducanu names Roger Federer as the greatest tennis player of all time
During an interview posted on TNT Sports’ X account, Raducanu was asked to name her greatest player of all time.
“Roger Federer,” she answered.
She offered the same response when asked for her greatest athlete of all time and her dream mixed doubles partner.
Then, she shared which shot she would ‘steal’ from another player.
“Roger Federer’s serve,” said Raducanu.
Raducanu stuck with the same answer when she was asked to pick her dream celebrity doubles partner.
“Does he [Roger Federer] count?” she said.
Raducanu clearly believes Federer is the greatest of all time, but she didn’t always think that.
When asked by Sky Sports in 2024, Raducanu had a different answer.
“In my opinion, the tennis G.O.A.T. is Novak Djokovic, for pure repeatable quality, but I think my favourite to watch is Roger Federer.”
So what’s changed since 2024?
Well, Federer has enjoyed his retirement, while Djokovic reached another Grand Slam final at the 2026 Australian Open and won his 100th and 101st titles in Geneva and Athens.
She also signed with UNIQLO, joining Federer as an ambassador of the Japanese brand…
Comparing the greatest tennis players of all time
| Player | Grand Slam singles titles | Weeks at number one | Total titles |
| Novak Djokovic | 24 | 428 | 101 |
| Serena Williams | 23 | 319 | 73 |
| Steffi Graf | 22 | 377 | 107 |
| Rafael Nadal | 22 | 209 | 92 |
| Roger Federer | 20 | 310 | 103 |
| Chris Evert | 18 | 260 | 157 |
| Martina Navratilova | 18 | 332 | 167 |
Who knows how Raducanu will respond when she’s asked next!
How did Emma Raducanu perform in her first match back?
Away from the G.O.A.T. debate, Raducanu returned to professional tennis this week in Strasbourg.
The British number one hadn’t played a match since Indian Wells in March, missing several months due to illness.
During her time off, Raducanu rehired Andrew Richardson as her coach, five years after their memorable US Open triumph.
Do you think Emma Raducanu has made a good decision with this hire?
Could you see her winning another Grand Slam title alongside Andrew Richardson?
Playing her first match in 73 days, Raducanu took on the home favourite, Diane Parry.
Unfortunately for the Briton, she lost in straight sets, 4-6, 6-7.
Emma Raducanu vs Diane Parry – Match stats
| Stats | Emma Raducanu | Diane Parry |
| Aces | 5 | 3 |
| Double faults | 9 | 1 |
| 1st Serve % | 68% | 79% |
| Win % on 1st Serve | 62% | 58% |
| Win % on 2nd Serve | 65% | 60% |
| Break points | 4/9 | 5/21 |
Raducanu will now turn her attention to Roland Garros, the second Grand Slam of the year.
Emma Raducanu’s record at Roland Garros (2-2)
- 2022 French Open 1R [WIN] vs Linda Noskova, 6-7, 7-5, 6-1
- 2022 French Open 2R [LOSS] vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich, 6-3, 1-6, 1-6
- 2025 French Open 1R [WIN] vs Xinyu Wang, 7-5, 4-6, 6-3
- 2025 French Open 2R [LOSS] vs Iga Swiatek, 1-6, 2-6
The Briton has been given a tricky draw in Paris and could face the 2024 runner-up, Jasmine Paolini, in the second round.
A third-round clash with the in-form Sorana Cirstea could follow, before the likes of Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, and Aryna Sabalenka enter the picture.
It remains to be seen if Raducanu can upset the odds at Roland Garros, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.
The 2026 French Open main draw begins on Sunday, May 24.
