Roger Federer was snubbed by Rafael Nadal in his list of the 10 greatest athletes of all time. Nadal chose Novak Djokovic over Federer.
What happened?
Rafael Nadal was asked by Netflix Sports to compile his list of the greatest athletes, and he opted for Novak Djokovic over Roger Federer.
Nadal's list included Michael Jordan, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods, among others. He gave no explanation for leaving out Federer.
Why it matters for Roger Federer
The omission is significant, given the intense rivalry between Federer and Nadal on the court. They produced one of the greatest tennis matches ever played in the 2008 Wimbledon final.
Federer won his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2003 and went on to claim 20 major titles. He retired in 2022, but his achievements remain impressive.
What comes next?
The debate over the greatest men's tennis player of all time will continue, with Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer all having strong claims. Djokovic currently holds the record for most Grand Slam titles, with 24.
Wimbledon 2026 is approaching, and Novak Djokovic will be looking to add to his tally. Roger Federer's legacy, meanwhile, remains unchanged, despite being left out of Nadal's list.
The trio of Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer have accumulated 66 Grand Slam titles and spent a combined 947 weeks ranked world No.1. Their on-court battles will be remembered for years to come.
Rafael Nadal's choices may have sparked controversy, but they reflect his opinion on the greatest athletes of all time. The list includes a range of sports, with Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt also making the cut.
Roger Federer's fans may be disappointed by his omission, but his achievements in tennis remain unparalleled. He won Olympic gold and secured a record 40 Masters titles.
The pursuit of greatness continues, with Novak Djokovic still performing at the highest level. Wimbledon 2026 will be a major test for him, as he seeks to add to his Grand Slam tally.