TheTruth
G.O.A.T.
I'm not into the GOAT theory, because many times the debate seems vague to me. I don't know how anyone would quantify who's better, or the greatest, but it would be better to have facts to debate rather than opinions and emotions. So, for those who like to compare I think they did a great job of assembling the actual facts.
Dare to Compare? Rod Laver vs. Roger Federer
By
TIM RUFFIN
(Featured Columnist) on February 05, 2010
5,781 reads
193 comments
2 likes
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
I come to you in the spirit of reason, and understanding. Fascinated by the constant debate over whether Roger Federer is the single greatest player of all-time or not, I have decided to examine the compare him to nine players who are also on that top level of all-time greats.
In the minds hearts and minds of millions of fans, Roger Federer is without peer. Federer is loved unconditionally, his dominance unquestioned and his humanity is often questioned. After-all, only a divine being, a son of the tennis god’s could do such things as he. Only a superior being could string together his run of Major finals and an even more ridiculous run of consecutive semifinal appearances.
If the people want to crown him, then let’s go ahead and crown him! Let us initiate the process of anointing Roger Federer the greatest tennis player of all time. But, before any coronation or inauguration, there must be a vetting process.
Numbers do not lie. They are constant and they are enduring. They are a traceable, quantifiable marker that can be used to substantiate any claim. But, while numerical statistics certainly have their role, we must not give in to the temptation to believe that they alone are capable of telling the whole story. Only the simplest mind would believe so. There are also intangibles to consider. Health, longevity, competition, heart and desire. All of these things factor into building a legend, a legacy.
Let’s meet the contenders. The ten players nearly universally agreed upon as the crème de la crème of the tennis world. To be fair, only player from the Open Era have been included. After-all, few have lived to see Bill Tilden or Don Budge play live. We honor their genius, but for the purposes of this exercise they will be excluded. The list looks like this: Laver, Connors, Borg, McEnroe, Lendl, Wilander, Becker, Agassi, Sampras, Federer .
The Maestro vs. The Rocket
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/340274-stacking-up-federers-career-in-light-of-lavers
Dare to Compare? Rod Laver vs. Roger Federer
By
TIM RUFFIN
(Featured Columnist) on February 05, 2010
5,781 reads
193 comments
2 likes
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
I come to you in the spirit of reason, and understanding. Fascinated by the constant debate over whether Roger Federer is the single greatest player of all-time or not, I have decided to examine the compare him to nine players who are also on that top level of all-time greats.
In the minds hearts and minds of millions of fans, Roger Federer is without peer. Federer is loved unconditionally, his dominance unquestioned and his humanity is often questioned. After-all, only a divine being, a son of the tennis god’s could do such things as he. Only a superior being could string together his run of Major finals and an even more ridiculous run of consecutive semifinal appearances.
If the people want to crown him, then let’s go ahead and crown him! Let us initiate the process of anointing Roger Federer the greatest tennis player of all time. But, before any coronation or inauguration, there must be a vetting process.
Numbers do not lie. They are constant and they are enduring. They are a traceable, quantifiable marker that can be used to substantiate any claim. But, while numerical statistics certainly have their role, we must not give in to the temptation to believe that they alone are capable of telling the whole story. Only the simplest mind would believe so. There are also intangibles to consider. Health, longevity, competition, heart and desire. All of these things factor into building a legend, a legacy.
Let’s meet the contenders. The ten players nearly universally agreed upon as the crème de la crème of the tennis world. To be fair, only player from the Open Era have been included. After-all, few have lived to see Bill Tilden or Don Budge play live. We honor their genius, but for the purposes of this exercise they will be excluded. The list looks like this: Laver, Connors, Borg, McEnroe, Lendl, Wilander, Becker, Agassi, Sampras, Federer .
The Maestro vs. The Rocket
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/340274-stacking-up-federers-career-in-light-of-lavers