Martina Navratilova is one of tennis’ most successful and esteemed individuals, making her opinion on the sport more than valuable.
That is why when she lends her punditry services to various broadcasters, her insight is revered.
Having claimed 17 Grand Slam singles titles throughout her career and a further 41 across the two doubles disciplines, the Czech-American superstar is certainly well-placed to weigh in on the greatest of all time debate.
However, when asked to give her answer, she opted for an alternative to the traditional choices of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Who Martina Navratilova picked as ‘the greatest’ tennis player
Speaking during the 2019 Wimbledon Championships, the 69-year-old weighed in on this ever-raging and unrelenting debate.
And, whilst many argue that Djokovic is the GOAT, with others fighting for the grace of Federer or the pure talent of Nadal, it was an Australian legend for whom Martina Navratilova instead vouched.
She claimed: “I don’t like to say the greatest, because for me Rod Laver was the greatest. But Pete Sampras was one of the all-time greats and of course so is Roger, so is Novak and Rafa Nadal.
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“So it’s hard to compare generations, it’s a different time, different rackets, different everything, the sport evolved. There’s no doubt in my mind that if Roger Federer had played in the ’50s, he would have been number one then, and if Rod Laver played now, he would be number one now.
“I think the champions always rise to the top regardless of what generation, so I like to say one of the all-time greats, but to say this one over that one, it’s so subjective and it’s comparing apples to oranges.”
Rod Laver compared to Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
As Navratilova notes, comparing players between generations feels futile, but it is a necessity regarding this particular debate.
After all, it is an argument that has never been so prevalent as the Big Three have started to call time on their careers.
Federer retired first, before Nadal followed suit just last year. Only Djokovic remains, but at 39 years old and tasked with toppling two elite young talents, it feels as though his time winning Grand Slam titles might be over.
However, in the years that follow his eventual retirement, the Serbian will likely look back on his 24 majors with fondness.
Laver, however, could only claim 11 Grand Slam titles, although he twice accomplished a feat that none of the aforementioned trio could manage: the Calendar Grand Slam.
In 1962 and 1969, the 87-year-old swept up all four majors in the same year, showcasing a level of dominance that the sport has seldom seen since.
The Aussie added nine more doubles major titles too, capping off a remarkable career at the very least deserves to be discussed among the very best to ever play the sport.
