Jack Draper reluctantly admitted he was voting with his head and not his heart after choosing ‘the greatest of all time’ in his sport. The British No.1 appeared on the Sky Sports sticker book challenge with host Gigi Salmon, where he was presented with four options.
Draper was forced to decide between Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and female icon Serena Williams.
The 23-year-old dodged one bullet by insisting that Williams, who won 22 Grand Slam titles in her iconic career, needed to be in her own category.
“I mean let’s just separate Serena out because she’s the female GOAT,” he said. “I think we can put that (sticker) down. Separate one for her because she’s incredible. And then out of these three….”
It was then the real dilemma started for the world No.15. And he admitted that sentiment pointed him towards Nadal, who retired in November this year after Spain’s exit from the Davis Cup finals.
“My head says Novak but my heart says Rafa,” he explained. “So, my heart is Rafa Nadal. But who do I think is the best tennis player of all time?” Salmon then humorously informed Draper his eyes were not moving from the sticker of the 38-year-old.
“No I know,” he admitted. “Because when I was growing up, every kit, every new look was him, he was just so iconic. Obviously, being a left hander like myself too….”
Salmon then pointedly remarked that Djokovic had a male record of 23 Slam crowns to his name, and was still going strong on the ATP Tour. “He’s going for 25 to be the outright, all time. The only one that will have it,” she said.
And at that point Draper begrudgingly made his choice, concluding: “I know, my head says Novak. My heart is Rafa but for me the GOAT is obviously Novak Djokovic.”
Intriguingly, Roger Federer didn’t even feature in Draper’s debate. The argument over which legend should be considered the best ever has long divided the sport, with many feeling the longevity of Djokovic gives him the edge.
Draper, a US Open semi-finalist this year, will be one of the players out to halt the Serbian when he starts his next bid to create history. The Australian Open gets underway at Melbourne Park next month.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk