Joao Fonseca has risked upsetting Novak Djokovic by declaring there is ‘no way’ the Serb is above Roger Federer as the greatest player of all time.
The teenager was the breakout star of the Australian Open, turning plenty of heads with his impressive run to the second round. He announced himself in style by defeating Andrey Rublev in straight sets but was beaten by Lorenzo Sonego in his next match.
Fonseca’s brilliant display against Rublev drew public praise from Djokovic, who tipped him to enjoy a bright future if he continues to develop on the same trajectory.
However, the young Brazilian has risked angering his veteran rival by insisting that Federer is the greatest player in tennis history.
Weighing in on the age-old debate in an interview with Globo, he said: “You can say Djokovic is the best of all time, but for me, there is no way. Djokovic may be the best of all time, but Federer is the greatest. He has no rival.”
Djokovic has won more Grand Slam titles than any other player in history, making him the statistical choice when it comes to picking the greatest player of all time.
Personal preference also comes into the debate at times, though, with Federer and Rafael Nadal having millions of backers despite failing to win as many trophies as Djokovic.
Fonseca previously revealed that he idolised Federer while growing up, saying at the Australian Open: “My idol was always Roger. I grew up watching Roger. Of course, I think everyone wanted to play like him.”
He remains fond of Djokovic despite nailing his colours to the mast with Federer, though, having thanked the Serb for his kind words after beating Rublev in Melbourne.
Discussing the recent praise offered by Djokovic and other top players, he told ESPN: “I think these things come naturally. The fact that players like Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz talk about me gives me the confidence to go even further.
“Wow, Alcaraz said that about me, Djokovic said that about me. It means I’m on the right track. It’s gratifying to hear these comments from such important people in our sport.”
Fonseca’s next outing will be at Indian Wells, where he has received a wildcard into the main draw. It will mark his second time competing at an ATP Masters 1000 event, with his first appearance coming at last year’s Madrid Open.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk