World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz picked Novak Djokovic as the GOAT over countryman Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard admitted he has always looked up to Nadal as an inspiration while growing up but said Djokovic is the ultimate GOAT while taking into consideration, all the numbers, stats and records.
Nadal won 22 Grand Slams titles in his glorious career whereas Djokovic has won 24 Majors in his illustrious career, which is the most for any man in the history of the sport.
“For me, Rafa Nadal is someone I looked up to as a little kid growing up. But the court, in terms of numbers, and everything he has done in tennis. He has won everything not only once but twice; it’s [Novak] Djokovic,” Alcaraz told reporters at the Laver Cup.
US Open champion Alexander Zverev, another member of Team Europe, was also asked to name his tennis G.O.A.T and he concurred with Alcaraz.
“I think tennis statistically wise, it has to be Novak. I think he has won the most and spent the most weeks as number one, so it has to be him,” he said.
Alcaraz picked Nadal as his favorite teammate as a doubles partner at a tournament. Alcaraz and Nadal had played together at the Paris Olympics.
“I would say, Rafa Nadal. As a Spanish player, for me, Rafa Nadal is everything, so I would love to have him on the team. I could never share the locker, court, or something with Roger Federer before, so it would be between those two.”
The 2026 Laver Cup will take place in London from Friday, September 25, to Sunday, September 27.
