The GOAT Debate

Novak Djokovic won his second French Open title beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in arguably one of the two best matches of his 18+ years' career. The other match was his semifinals victory against 13 time French Open champion Rafael Nadal. That took Djokovic to 19 Grand Slams, just one short of Nadal and Federer, with a chance to emulate Rod Laver as the only man to win all four Grand Slams in a calendar year. That, brings up the GOAT debate for the umpteenth time!

My personal favourite is Rafael Nadal, for multiple reasons, but that does not hold me back from appreciating how well Federer and Djokovic have been playing over the past two decades. The awesome trio has been dominating the men's circuit so much (60 titles between them of the 73 Grand Slams played since Federer won his first in 2003) that we should really feel pity for the best of the rest.  In any other era, they might have won more Grand Slams than they have in the Rafa - Fed - Djoko era. These three have in fact thrived from the company of the other two to reach such incredible levels. Rafa with his defense, Federer with his near perfect shots and Djokovic being the mentality monster, have treated us abundantly with exemplar tennis.

Does that mean these three are the greatest players of all time, or, the one who ends up having the most Grand Slams would be declared the GOAT. Well, I don't know, but, in my opinion, there is no point in arguing who/which is the greatest player/athelete/team of all time, in any sport.

I see the GOAT debate as an unwanted distraction from enjoying sports at its best. I feel lucky to have been able to witness most of the 60 Grand Slam title matches played by Djokovic, Federer and Nadal. I started following lawn tennis when Sampras and Agassi were at their peak, again a great rivalry. I feel lucky to have seen Serena Williams play second fiddle to her big sister, Venus, and eventually take over the mantle of power hitter in women's tennis. Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters gave them good company.

There have been a number of memorable games that have inspired me. 

It's a privilege to have witnessed a mediocre Liverpool team coming back from 0-3 down to clinch the Champions League overcoming a star studded AC Milan, the match rightly called the Miracle of Istanbul.

So was Ronaldinho's Barcelona humiliating a Real Madrid team comprising Zidane, Beckham, Roberto Carlos, Raul and Ronaldo at the Bernabeu; even the home fans gave the Brazilian a standing ovation. Messi and Christiano Ronaldo were mere upcoming talents during this season!

It was sad and at the same time an honour to see Manchester United knocking Liverpool off their perch (18 titles) under the tutelage of the most successful coach in the Premier League era, Sir Alex Ferguson. 

I watched in awe as Shaq and Kobe won 3 Champioships in a row for the Lakers, the Golden State Warriors with Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green (what a line up!) the only team coming close (within a minute) to the Three-peat since.

Every sport manages to come up with great rivalries and match ups across eras, Lin Dan - Lee Chong Wei, Steffy Graf - Monica Seles, Schumacher - Raikkonen, Tiger Woods - Phil Mickelson; the list is endless.

Sports fans across the world are split into many factions when it comes to their favourite players or the GOAT discussion. There is nothing wrong in having personal favourites as long as it does not breed hatred towards other players and fan groups. Sadly, most fan clubs promote hatred rather than respect and sportsmanship which is what each sport teaches.

Let your love for the game be your inspiration to follow a sport rather than your liking for an icon!