Tsitsipas picks his favorite tennis player: “Federer is my GOAT"

In the never-ending debate about who is the greatest tennis player of all time, Stefanos Tsitsipas wanted to have his say. A perspective that goes beyond numbers and statistics. In a video posted on the official profile of the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy, the Greek champion revealed the name of his personal GOAT: Roger Federer.

“My GOAT is Roger Federer. He is not the player who has won the most Slam titles, but that doesn’t matter to me. What matters more to me is the’impact he has had on the tennis world and world sports” said Tsitsipas. For the Greek, in fact, Grand Slam titles are not the only parameter to judge the greatness of a tennis player. The global influence, elegance and the way Federer has turned tennis into a universal spectacle are invaluable, according to Tsitsipas. “I would compare it to the same impact that Michael Jordan had“ he added, stressing how inspired he was by having the chance to face the Swiss during his own career.

Tsitsipas also expressed his admiration for women’s tennis, pointing to Serena Williams as his female GOAT: “What Serena has done is incredible. Her story is unique and I really admire her personality and charisma. I have been lucky enough to talk and train with her several times”.

Reduced from a subpar first part of the season, Tsitsipas recently decided to turn his career around, relying on the guidance of Goran Ivanisevic. “It had reached a point where tennis had become almost toxic” the Greek confessed, referring also to the complicated relationship with his father Apostolos, his longtime coach. “I do not expect Ivanisevic to work immediate miracles. What I want is to work on a long-term project and see gradual improvements”.