Don't Compare Ever, Says Federer On 'GOAT' Debate

'In Switzerland, We Have A Lot Of Them, But They Are In The Fields'

London: "GOAT" debate that has engulfed the tennis world the way parents might look at their children. Folks love to ask: Who's the "Greatest of All-Time" in men's tennis, Federer, Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic? "People always like to compare. I see it every day with my twins. Without wanting, you compare them. You shouldn't -ever," Federer said during an interview on Wednesday, hours after his farewell news conference at the arena that will host the 20-time Grand Slam champion's final competition, the Laver Cup.

"Naturally, we do the same in tennis.... I am my own career, my own player, that needed those challenges. They need ed a challenger like myself," he said, leaning back on a couch, having traded in the blue blazer and polo shirt he wore earlier for a post-practice navy pullover, white T-shirt and black jogger pants. "We made each other better. So at the end of the day, we'll all shake hands and be like, 'That was awesome. Now is somebody going to be happier than the other? I mean, in moments, maybe." He called the topic "a good conversation, let's be honest" and "definitely a fun debate" that "you can endlessly talk about." But he also used the word "silly," given all that he, 22time major champ Nadal and 21-time major champ Djokovic have accomplished. "I always say it's wonderful to be part of that selective group," he began, talking about the socalled Big Three rivals, then paused to sigh.