Legend Rod Laver, the only male player to have achieved a calendar Grand Slam in the Open Era, has weighed in the “greatest of all time” debate several times, often praising Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Here’s what he has said so far.
When it comes to determining who is ‘the greatest tennis player of all time,’ there are many factors that come into play. However, among the names that always come up we can include Rod Laver, who is, to this day, the only man who has achieved the calendar Grand Slam in the Open Era. However, the legend himself has a couple of favorite players, often praising Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Here we recount all the times he has spoken on the ‘GOAT’ debate.
Laver competed fully in just two seasons of the Open Era, which began in 1968, winning five Grand Slam titles, including a calendar Grand Slam in 1969. Before the Open Era, he reached 14 of the 15 combined finals at the US Pro, French Pro, and Wimbledon, securing eight tit
In 2024, Laver told Tennis World that it is “difficult” to compare players of different eras. “Over time, too many factors have changed, from materials to athletic preparation. Today there are entire teams that work for the players. The best thing is to celebrate the feats without doing comparisons,” he said. With that in mind, here’s all the time he was close to choosing a GOAT.