Novak Djokovic Says Roger Federer Is The Best Player In The World, ‘Technically’

The debate involving the greatest tennis player of all time is never going to stop, but for current World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, there is one player who he thinks is the best of all time, at least based on facts. According to Djokovic, his rival, the 17-time grand slam champion Roger Federer is the best player in the world.

Djokovic was speaking to the media following his first-round victory over Philipp Kohlschreiber at SW19 and he was asked about his thoughts on two of the modern day’s tennis greats, Federer and Rafael Nadal’s, longevity in their sporting lives over the next couple of years. Djokovic said that both Federer and Nadal are champions in their own way on and off the court. However, he considers the Swiss tennis ace as the best in terms of the latter’s accomplishments in tennis.

“Obviously, technically, he’s (Federer) probably the best player in the world,” Djokovic told the reporters. “When he plays, it looks so easy, it looks so flawless.”

For fans of the 17-time grand slam Swiss champion, the question on who is the best player is not really even up for debate. Recently, For The Win’s Chris Chase has compiled Federer’s greatest achievements in tennis since turning professional 17 years ago. Among Federer’s accomplishments include winning 285 grand slam matches, which is 90 more wins than Nadal. Federer is also the all-time title leader at the Wimbledon (tied with retired tennis player Pete Sampras) and US Open (tied with Sampras and Jimmy Connors). While Nadal has five winning streak at the Roland Garros (2010 to 2014), Federer has more winning streak in the finals of a grand slam tournament with seven consecutive Wimbledon finals (2003 to 2009).

The Serbian, who is bidding to win his third trophy at SW19, said that Federer’s longevity comes from two things. Federer’s proper care for his body and professionalism are the secrets not only for the Swiss’ success on the tennis court, but also for his longevity in the sport. He said that those qualities are the reasons why Federer has managed to stay on top of the men’s tour. The Swiss is currently at the second place behind Djokovic in the world rankings of the Association of Tennis Professionals.

As for Nadal, who dropped to the 10^th place of the world rankings, Djokovic said that the Spaniard has some hard working ethics. He said that Nadal is one player who loves to train and spend a lot of time on the tennis court, which he thinks does pay off.

Nadal is a 14-time grand slam champion. He has won all grand slam events (one Australian Open, nine French Opens, two Wimbledons, and two US Opens). Hailed as the “King of Clay,” Nadal has won 19 claycourt titles. In 2010, Nadal has won all tournaments played on red dirt, namely, Monte Carlo Rolex Masters, Rome Masters, Madrid Masters, and the Roland Garros.

Meanwhile, Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal are through to the second round of the 2015 Wimbledon Championships. Djokovic will play Jarkko Nieminen in his bid to win his third title at SW19. It marks the sixth meeting for both. Djokovic leads their series 5-1.

To report problems about this article or leave feedback, email r.corpuz@IBTimes.com.au.