"If Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were to stop playing today, I would consider Djokovic No. 1" - Boris Becker
In a recent interview with Eurosport, tennis legend Boris Becker claimed that if Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic were to retire today, for him, the Serbian would be at "No. 1". He argued that "numbers just don't lie" and highlighted that Djokovic is "way ahead" of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in terms of the number of weeks spent in the top spot.
In the interview, Djokovic's former coach claimed that he considers the number of weeks spent as World No. 1 as a really "important" stat while rating players.
"Numbers just don't lie. As a tennis player, the number of weeks at No 1 is very important. Novak is simply way ahead there. If all three of them stopped playing tennis today, I would see Novak at No. 1," said Becker.
In March 2021, Novak Djokovic went past Roger Federer's record for most weeks as World No. 1. He has now been the No. 1 player for a total of 352 weeks compared to Federer's 310 and Nadal's 209.
Novak Djokovic - 20 Grand Slams
Rafael Nadal - 20 Grand Slams
Roger Federer - 20 Grand Slams
The race to 21 begins now! 🏆
#bbctennis #Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic had a spectacular season in 2021. The Serbian legend won three Grand Slam titles and a Masters trophy. He finished the year as the World No. 1 for a record seventh time, surpassing Pete Sampras's record of six.
Djokovic's win at Wimbledon 2021 has put him level with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the Grand Slam race. The Big 3 now each have 20 Majors.
"I wouldn't rule it out"- Boris Becker on Roger Federer's comeback
In the same interview, Becker also revealed that he "wouldn't rule out" an astounding comeback from Roger Federer. The Swiss, who underwent a third knee surgery earlier this year, was recently spotted training in a gym.
Becker emphasized that Federer has already proved his critics wrong on many occasions in the past by making an incredible return to the court. However, the German believes that Federer's comeback won't be that "easy" this time around as tennis is constantly "changing and getting faster".
"Roger has already managed a lot of things where we said that is not possible at all. That's why I wouldn't rule it out. It won't be easy, tennis is changing and getting faster. At some point it will no longer be easy," said Becker.
After having withdrawn from the 2022 Australian Open, there are dark clouds looming over Roger Federer's participation at the Wimbledon Championships 2022.
Roger Federer said he will skip the Australian Open in January and is unlikely to return to competitive tennis until mid-2022 as he recovers from multiple knee surgeries reut.rs/3Ds6GhN https://t.co/Rqrvb52yfT
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