‘I faced Djokovic, Federer, Nadal and Murray – it’s obvious who the best of them is’

Tim Henman has faced off against Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray on multiple occasions and the British tennis icon has named who he believes is the best of them all

Former world No. 4, and four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist, Tim Henman has had his fair share of battles against tennis greats Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray.

As such, few are as qualified as the British tennis legend to rank the ‘Big Four’. The quartet of tennis giants recently reunited at the French Open for Nadal’s farewell ceremony.

Henman was also present, offering commentary for TNT Sports, who asked him to list the five greatest players in men’s tennis history. Surprisingly, Henman left fellow Brit Murray out of his top five, instead giving the fifth spot to Rod Laver, andanointing Djokovic as his greatest of all time.

“I think for someone to win the calendar Grand Slam on two occasions, just absolutely phenomenal,” Henman said of Laver. “He’s a real icon, ambassador of our sport, so he is my fifth.”

U.S icon Pete Sampras, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, landed the fourth spot on Henman’s list. “In fourth place I would say Pete Sampras.

“He was someone that I played against many, many times. Seven Wimbledon titles, 14 Grand Slams in total, an incredible career.”

The top three spots were reserved for Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. However, in Henman’s ranking, the Swiss maestro fell short of his two rivals, despite Henman’s admiration for Federer’s versatility across different court surfaces, reports the Express.

“In third place I would go for Roger Federer,” Henman added. “Winner of 20 Grand Slam titles, eight Wimbledons, played so well on every surface.

“Just how easy he made the game look with his footwork, but also his technique. That one-handed backhand was always a pleasure to watch.”

Nadal clinched the runner-up spot, fresh off a special tribute at the French Open. With an unmatched record of 14 victories at Roland Garros, Nadal was immortalized with a permanent shoeprint on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

“In second place I would go Rafa Nadal,” Henman continued. “He won 22 Grand Slams, 14 French Opens. We often talk about records are there to be broken, but I’m convinced that 14 singles titles at Roland Garros will never be broken.”

However, it was the Serbian icon who earned the highest praise from Henman. Just a week after securing his 100th career title in Geneva, Djokovic is chasing his 25th Grand Slam trophy in Paris and has been named the greatest male player ever by Henman.

“Greatest male player of all time is Novak Djokovic,” Henman said. “What he’s done, winning every Grand Slam a minimum three times. He’s won 24 majors, going for his 25th here in Roland Garros. He’s the best player that I’ve ever seen.”