Roger Federer snubbed in surprise GOAT debate by former world No 1
ILIE NASTASE believes it is unfair to label Roger Federer the greatest tennis player of all time.
Nastase, a former world No 1 and two-time Grand Slam winner, has gone against the current trend of hailing the modern day leading players.
Federer, along with rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, are considered by most as three of the best players ever.
However, Nastase thinks the likes of Pete Sampras and Rod Laver, who helped develop the sport into what it is today, deserve a bigger mention.
Romanian Nastase also used Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo in his analogy of the situation.
“It's not right to say that Federer is the greatest player of all time,” Nastase said.
“It’s not justified for past players like Rod Laver or Pete Sampras.
“People look at today's players, in every sport. (Cristiano) Ronaldo will be the best for ten years, but I do not want to put him in the mix.
“Everyone is big champions and performed at the highest level.”
Federer has won more Grand Slam titles than any other male player with 20.
Nadal sits second on 17 while Sampras and Djokovic are tied third with 14.
The top total is expected to be extended further next season as Federer, Nadal and Djokovic continue to battle at the major tournaments.
And world No 3 Federer is back in action later this month when he represents Switzerland at the Davis Cup.
Roger Federer’s Hopman Cup fixtures
Dec 30 - Great Britain vs Switzerland
Jan 1 - USA vs Switzerland
Jan 3 - Greece vs Switzerland
Jan 5 - Winner of Group A vs winner of Group B