‘Female GOAT’ Serena Williams Given Special Privilege as British ATP Star Gets Candid About Tennis’ Persistent Debate

Ever since the likes of Serena Williams and Roger Federer called time on their illustrious careers, the GOAT debate has taken center stage in the tennis world. While Williams is ever-present in the women’s GOAT list, the Big Three, comprising Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, are much talked about on the men’s side. While there is no clear winner in this regard, it looks like the GOAT debate is picking up steam with each passing day. Earlier this week, British star, Jack Draper added spice to this topic.

The 23-year-old will be making a comeback after his untimely injury setback. Draper looked in good nick before a hip injury forced him out of the United Cup next year. Facing a race against time to be fit for the Australian Open, Draper appeared in an interview with Sky Sports Tennis yesterday.

During the interview, Draper was presented with some options to pick the GOAT in tennis. Among them included the names of Williams, Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic. The British star revealed, “So, my heart is Rafa Nadal. But who do I think is the best tennis player of all time? I mean, let’s just separate Serena out cause she’s the female GOAT. I think we can put that down. Separate one for her cause she’s incredible.”

“My head says Novak but my heart says Rafa”

Jack Draper on who the GOAT of tennis is pic.twitter.com/QktmPYRwTV

— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) December 23, 2024

Eventually, Draper’s heart said that Nadal was the GOAT in tennis, but his mind pointed to Djokovic. Interestingly, Draper is also a left-hander like Nadal and grew up watching the Spaniard win tournament after tournament. “No, I know. 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,” Draper added.

Meanwhile, the British star has been left disappointed by his untimely hip injury. Although he sounded confident about playing in the Australian Open next month, Draper revealed a concerned look.
The British star suffered a hip injury toward the fag end of the 2024 season, due to which he had to miss the off-season training sessions in Spain with Carlos Alcaraz. Additionally, he also opted out of the United Cup and the Davis Cup tie after the Australian Open. However, Draper hopes to play in the Grand Slam Down Under.

He said, “It’s obviously very disappointing that I can’t go out [to Spain]. But that’s the thing in sports, sometimes you have these disappointments, you have these little challenges and little setbacks that come your way, and you have to think about how you are gonna make the most of that. In my mind, I’m thinking that I always have to try and have a positive outlook on things. For me at this stage of my career, what’s most important is that I can have a long career.”

With the Australian Open still weeks away, Draper would look to recover quickly to be fit in time for the first major tournament of the season. On the other hand, it would be a major blow for him if he misses the Grand Slam Down Under.