Best Andre Agassi quotes on GOAT debate between Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
Andre Agassi was one of the most dominant and charismatic players of his generation. The former World No. 1 won eight Grand Slam titles and an Olympic Gold medal in singles over the course of his career.
Agassi was known for his exceptional athleticism, flashy style of play, and powerful groundstrokes.
In recent years, the debate over who the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) is has centered around three players: Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic. Each of those players has a unique style of play and impressive records, making it an extremely difficult question to answer.
Whenever Agassi has been asked about his thoughts on the GOAT debate, he has answered with dignity and respect towards all three players. The Olympic gold medalist has often stated that it is a matter of personal opinion and that there is no right or wrong answer.
Agassi believes that all three players are incredibly talented and have made significant contributions to the sport. He has also repeatedly highlighted the different eras the three players played in and the various challenges they faced, which he thinks makes it difficult to compare them directly.
For Agassi, the ultimate goal of the game is to constantly improve and push your limits, and he has often pointed out how each of these players has done that in their own way.
The 52-year-old views the GOAT debate as a tribute to the incredible hard work, passion and sacrifice that these players have put in to reach astonishing heights in the sport. According to Agassi, tennis fans, critics and sports personalities around the world should celebrate the greatness of all three players, instead of diminishing any of them.
On that note, let’s take a look at five statements made by Andre Agassi while talking about the GOAT debate between Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic.
#5 High praise for the golden generation
In one of his interviews, Andre Agassi described the golden generation of tennis players - the generation of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer - as "special."
In the 1990s, fans were heavily engrossed in the heated rivalry between Agassi and Pete Sampras. The duo played each other 34 times in their careers, with Sampras leading the head-to-head 20-14.
However, Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal have all played each other more than 40 times in their careers. Popularly known as the Big 3, they've showcased tennis of the highest caliber and raised the bar high for future generations.
Not surprisingly, Agassi emphasized the high level of skill and competitiveness they have produced over the years.
"I think it's a special generation. I mean, I've played Pete 34 times I think. Novak, Roger, Rafa have all played each other 50, 60 times. Three guys have played each other almost twice as much in some cases as me and Pete. You have three guys that are arguably the best of all time," Andre Agassi said.
#4 Acknowledging the challenges Rafael Nadal had to face in the early days
Rafael Nadal was the first man to win 22 Grand Slam titles in the Open Era, and the Spaniard is still in the running to add to his astonishing tally. But Nadal entered the tennis scene at a time when Federer was already starting to cement his place at the top and the likes of Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt and Marat Safin were also going strong.
The Spaniard also had to deal with the emergence of talented individuals like Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic alongside him. Agassi acknowledged the tough competition Nadal faced during the "golden age of tennis," and hailed Nadal's achievements and continued success in the sport.
"I’d put Nadal at No. 1, Federer No. 2. Federer separated himself from the field for four years. He separated himself from Roddick and Hewitt. Nadal had to deal with Federer, Djokovic, and Murray in the golden age of tennis. He's done what he's done and he’s not done yet," Andre Agassi said.
#3 Andre Agassi believes Roger Federer got the most out of his career
Roger Federer recently called curtains on his illustrious career at the 2022 Laver Cup. The Swiss maestro legend has single-handedly changed the way tennis is perceived all around the world. His effortless all-round game and elegant technique were loved by millions, and he was miles ahead of the competition at his peak.
Andre Agassi complimented the 41-year-old in a recent interview, stating that Federer got more out of his career than other players. He praised the Swiss star's versatility and ability to adapt to different playing styles, and also expressed admiration for Federer's consistency at the highest level.
"I think that Federer has made more of his career than anybody. He's more versatile than anybody and could have won Grand Slams serving and volleying only. If he was not allowed to come to the net, he could have still probably figured out a way to win," Andre Agassi said.
#2 Evaluating the strengths of the Big 3 on their favorite surfaces
Roger Federer's record on grass, Rafael Nadal's record on clay and Novak Djokovic's record on hardcourt are what set them apart from each other.
Andre Agassi made a distinction between evaluating a player's career versus evaluating a player's performance at their best. He pointed out that each of the top three players - Federer, Nadal and Djokovic - excels on a different surface.
Agassi's statement highlighted the diversity of skill and ability among these top players and acknowledged their mastery of specific surfaces.
"I think it’s different to say, who has the best career from saying when somebody is playing at their best. Who is the best? We have the best on fast grass courts with Roger, we have the best on clay [with Nadal] and we have the best on hard courts [with Djokovic].” Andre Agassi said when asked about the GOAT debate.
#1 States that Novak Djokovic has 'highest standard of tennis'
Novak Djokovic has arguably been the best player on tour over the last decade. The Serb proved that yet again last month by capturing the Australian Open and equalling Nadal's tally of 22 Grand Slam titles.
Andre Agassi praised Djokovic's tennis skills last year, after the Serb surpassed Federer's record for most weeks at World No. 1. He mentioned that the highest level of tennis he has ever seen was when the Serb was playing at his best.
The American also stated that he had the highest level of admiration for Djokovic's level of play and his impact on the sport of tennis.
"Let me make it clear, that the highest standard of tennis that I've ever seen is when Novak is playing his best tennis. The single level, for whatever my tennis IQ is worth, is an unmistakable standard to which everybody will strive to be,” Andre Agassi said in an interview in 2021.