Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates defeating Andy Murray of Britain in their men's singles quarter-final tennis match at the Australian Open 2014 tennis tournament in Melbourne
Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates defeating Andy Murray of Britain in their men's singles quarter-final tennis match at the Australian Open 2014 tennis tournament in Melbourne Reuters

Former world's no.1 and 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer is still the greatest tennis player of all time, despite Rafael Nadal's rise as the hottest netter in the world right now.

Federer hasn't won a Grand Slam title since the 2012 Wimbledon Open, and has been inconsistent as of late. Nevertheless, sports-oriented Web site Sportige believes the Swiss master remains on top of the tennis pecking order because of the achievement he accomplished during his peak.

Here's an excerpt from Sportige:

"But that doesn't persuade those who are convinced Nadal is the best one ever. The rationalization? Nadal's record against Federer, which is a thumping 23-10," Sportige reported.

"It's 14-6 in tournament finals, 9-2 in Grand Slam matches and 6-2 in Grand Slam finals. The only place Federer has been able to beat Nadal in a Grand Slam tournament has been at Wimbledon."

"But Rafa supporters tend to forget one thing. Each player has his peak. Federer had his between 2004 and 2007; three years in which he won 11 of the 16 possible Grand Slam titles, including three years with three Grand Slam triumphs. Rafael Nadal, in comparison, has only one year with 3 Grand Slam titles," the site added.

Federer's longevity and consistency have been his main weapon during his epic run, bagging three Grand Slam title in three years while booking a semifinal spot in every Grand Slam tournament for 23 consecutive times.

"Consistency, longevity and another important factor: Not losing to inferior players when it matters, is something Nadal supporters forget."

"Federer reached 23 consecutive Grand Slam semifinals, beginning with the 2004 Wimbledon tournament (which he won) and ended when he couldn't get past the quarterfinals in the French Open in 2010, a year after he completed his career grand slam in Paris."

"Federer made it to 10 consecutive Grand Slam finals, 36 consecutive men's Major quarter-finals and from 2004 through 2009, only four Majors had their finals held without him."

Truly, Federer is still the best tennis player in history, but the threat of Nadal is something he should be aware of. Nadal has 13 Grand Slam titles around his belt, and he could add more titles while playing at the prime of his career.