‘The grace of Roger Federer or the consistency of Novak Djokovic?’ – Legendary coach weighs in on GOAT debate

Major honours cannot separate Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal when choosing the GOAT according to this famed figure.

Rick Macci knows a thing or two about tennis champions from his lengthy career as a coach.

The American trained former world number one Andy Roddick and five-time Slam winner Maria Sharapova.

He also helped forge the early careers of a pair of sisters you may know of by the name of Serena and Venus Williams, who between the have 30 Slam singles titles.

Now, Macci has given his input to the debate about who is the greatest male player ever.

“Everybody loves Federer because of the way he plays, so graceful and artistic and stuff like that,” Macci said in an interview with Essentially Sports.

“[If] we judge it on how many Slams that you win you can’t argue with Djokovic. Because of the way his consistency and staying up there, and having very few speed bumps.”

While Djokovic, Federer and Nadal all have the same number of Slams at 20, perhaps Macci is suggesting that Djokovic is best positioned to add to that record tally.

“Why don’t we do this in a few years and you can ask me the question [again] because I think it’s still to be determined,” Macci continued.

“It looks like Novak [Djokovic] right now. But Federer is maybe the best player of all time in my opinion, but Novak might go down as the greatest.

“But don’t count out Rafa [Nadal] either. I think maybe there’ll be a tie,” Macci finished, unable to choose between them.

🎾 Read >> Breaking tennis news

🎾 Follow >> 24/7 LIVE scores

🎾 Free >> Receive our legendary newsletter

🎾 Join >> Tennishead CLUB, the world’s only virtual tennis club

🎾 Social >> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube

🎾 Order >> World’s best tennis magazine

🎾 Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted retail partner