Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal my definition of ‘GOAT’ says Stefanos Tsitsipas ahead of Madrid Open

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are the definition of what a ‘GOAT’ should be, says Stefanos Tsitsipas ahead of his appearance at the Madrid Open.

The debate has raged over the past decade as to who can call themselves tennis’ GOAT – the greatest of all time – with the likes of Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, Federer and Nadal all in the conversation.

“For me, the GOAT is the person who has brought the most people to the to the sport, who has attracted the most people to the sport, who has inspired lots of people to do something with their life.

“The person that has brought joy to other people through his craft and through what he does.

“I think, in this case, it’s pretty clear that Roger Federer has had a huge impact on that, and so has Rafael Nadal.”

The 24-year-old Greek also has a 0-4 head-to-head record against Alcaraz, and he admitted that the young Spaniard is a “big obstacle” to him in tournaments where they are both playing.

“The only way to beat him is to train to improve my game,” Tsitsipas said.

“He has become a big obstacle for me. He works hard and it shows in aspects such as his flexibility and speed on the court.

“He is a source of inspiration and, in some ways, I would like to be like him. To keep up with him, I just have to put in the hours.”

Tsitsipas will play the winner of Kyle Edmund and Dominic Thiem in his first match in Madrid.

– – –