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Rediff.com  » Sports » Agassi says Nadal ahead of Federer as all-time best. Is he?
This article was first published 10 years ago

Agassi says Nadal ahead of Federer as all-time best. Is he?

May 09, 2014 08:49 IST

Image: (Left to right): Roger Federer, Andre Agassi and Rafael Nadal.
Photographs: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi has picked Spaniard Rafael Nadal over Swiss maestro Roger Federer as the greatest tennis player ever, according to a newspaper report on Thursday.

The 32-year-old Federer, with 17 Grand Slam titles, leads his younger opponent who has 13 majors and is recognised as a complete player on all surfaces.

"I'd put Nadal No. 1, Federer No. 2," Agassi told Singapore's Straits Times newspaper, stoking the popular debate.

Do you agree with Andre Agassi's view that Rafael Nadal is ahead of Roger Federer as all-time best?

'Nadal had to deal with Federer, Djokovic, Murray'

Image: Rafael Nadal (left) checks out the 2009 Australian Open final after beating Roger Federer in the final.
Photographs: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

"Federer separated himself from the field for four years. He separated himself from [Andy] Roddick and [Lleyton] Hewitt.

"Nadal had to deal with Federer, [Novak] Djokovic, [Andy] Murray in the golden age of tennis. He has done what he has done and he's not done yet."

Do you agree with Andre Agassi's view that Rafael Nadal is ahead of Roger Federer as all-time best?

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'He has done it all during Federer's prime'

Image: Rafael Nadal celebrates winning the Wimbledon title in 2010.
Photographs: Julian Finney/Getty Images

Nadal leads Federer 23-10 in all meetings and Agassi said the number of Grand Slam titles cannot be the sole yardstick to decide the greatest player.

"He has won multiple [majors], every single one [more than once] except the Australian Open - and give him another year on that," Agassi said.

"It's just remarkable to me what he has done, and he has done it all during Federer's prime."

Do you agree with Andre Agassi's view that Rafael Nadal is ahead of Roger Federer as all-time best?