It is highly unlikely we'll ever get to witness another era of such greatness in tennis. Sure, they'll be great players in the future. But to have Roger, Rafa and Novak to watch over the last 10-15 years has been mind boggling. These three are unquestionably the 3 greatest ever.
Consider these stats:
1) Federer-20 majors, 10 more major finals, 98 titles, 53 QF or better in majors, 15 years between
victories, 6 Tour Finals victories
2) Rafa- 17 majors, 7 more major finals, 80 titles, 36 QF or better in majors, 83% winning percentage,
4 time Davis Cup winner, 2 Gold Medals
3) Novak- 14 majors, 9 more major finals, 71 tournament victories, 5 Tour Finals victories, 42 QF or
better in majors
As Sampras never got to even a French final, there is no way you can put him above Novak. Novak has been incredibly successful in all 4 majors and all surfaces. Borg could not win at the US Open and chose to retire early. Lendl was incredible but was 8-11 in major finals and never won Wimbledon.
Laver was great but NEVER faced 2 other opponents as Roger faced in Rafa and Novak, Novak faced in Roger and Rafa, and Rafa faced in Roger and Novak.
These 3, not only because of these accomplishments, but just doing the "eye" test, are without question the 3 greatest players of all time. Fed is still the best ever. Novak, probably more than Rafa, has a slight chance to equal him. Unlikely though.
Consider these stats:
1) Federer-20 majors, 10 more major finals, 98 titles, 53 QF or better in majors, 15 years between
victories, 6 Tour Finals victories
2) Rafa- 17 majors, 7 more major finals, 80 titles, 36 QF or better in majors, 83% winning percentage,
4 time Davis Cup winner, 2 Gold Medals
3) Novak- 14 majors, 9 more major finals, 71 tournament victories, 5 Tour Finals victories, 42 QF or
better in majors
As Sampras never got to even a French final, there is no way you can put him above Novak. Novak has been incredibly successful in all 4 majors and all surfaces. Borg could not win at the US Open and chose to retire early. Lendl was incredible but was 8-11 in major finals and never won Wimbledon.
Laver was great but NEVER faced 2 other opponents as Roger faced in Rafa and Novak, Novak faced in Roger and Rafa, and Rafa faced in Roger and Novak.
These 3, not only because of these accomplishments, but just doing the "eye" test, are without question the 3 greatest players of all time. Fed is still the best ever. Novak, probably more than Rafa, has a slight chance to equal him. Unlikely though.
