Federer Has Fewer Grand Slams — But Here’s Why Tsitsipas Says He’s STILL the GOAT 👑

In the high-stakes, stats-obsessed world of professional tennis, Grand Slam titles have long served as the ultimate yardstick. By that measure, Roger Federer may no longer hold the crown. With Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal surpassing him in the numbers game, many have begun to question whether the Swiss maestro still deserves the title of the GOAT — the Greatest of All Time.

But not everyone is convinced that mere numbers tell the full story. One of the most vocal defenders of Federer’s legacy is none other than Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Greek tennis star who has climbed his way into the top ranks of the ATP Tour. In interviews and press conferences, Tsitsipas has consistently made one thing clear: to him, Federer is still the GOAT, and it has nothing to do with how many trophies he’s won.

So what is it, exactly, that makes Federer the greatest — even with fewer Grand Slams? According to Tsitsipas, the answer lies in the intangibles, the elegance, the influence, and the aura that Federer brought to the sport. Let’s take a deep dive into why Tsitsipas — and millions of others — believe that numbers alone don’t define greatness.

Style Over Stats: The Federer Aesthetic

One of the first things Tsitsipas always highlights when talking about Federer is his elegance on the court. While tennis has seen many powerful players, none have moved with the same grace, fluidity, and poetic rhythm that Federer consistently displayed for over two decades.

His forehand? Lethal and efficient. His backhand? Smooth and versatile. His serve? Deceptively powerful. But what really sets him apart is the way he plays the game. Tsitsipas once said in an interview, “Roger plays tennis the way it’s meant to be played. Like an art form.”

That’s something numbers can’t quantify. Sure, you can count aces and winners, but how do you measure beauty? Federer made the game look effortless. He didn’t just beat opponents; he inspired them. For Tsitsipas, who has often spoken about Federer’s impact on his own game, the Swiss legend didn’t just set records — he set standards.

Global Influence and Tennis Diplomacy

Another reason Tsitsipas believes Federer deserves the GOAT title is because of his massive global influence. Federer isn’t just loved in Switzerland. He’s adored in Australia, worshipped at Wimbledon, and celebrated across continents.

His ability to transcend cultures, languages, and generations is part of what makes him so unique. Whether it’s the roar of the crowd at the US Open, the reverent silence on Centre Court, or the jubilant fans in Shanghai, Federer always received love that extended beyond wins and losses.

As Tsitsipas puts it, “Federer is tennis’s best ambassador. He’s what made people fall in love with the sport in the first place.”

When Federer played, ticket prices skyrocketed, stadiums sold out, and television ratings soared. That level of charisma, that universal appeal, can’t be matched by trophies alone. Federer made tennis cool. He made it global. He made it bigger than himself.

Innovation and Longevity

Although Federer may have fewer Grand Slam titles than Djokovic and Nadal, his longevity and ability to evolve are nothing short of legendary. From his early days as a wild-haired talent with a temper, to his mature, graceful dominance in his 30s, Federer constantly reinvented himself to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive sport.

Tsitsipas has frequently expressed admiration for Federer’s ability to adapt. Whether it was adding the SABR (Sneak Attack By Roger) to surprise opponents or embracing new training methods to extend his career, Federer didn’t just age — he evolved.

And let’s not forget: Federer reached 31 Grand Slam finals, won 103 ATP titles, and held the world number one spot for 310 weeks — 237 of them consecutively. Those stats, while perhaps overshadowed in today’s GOAT debates, are monuments of consistency.

In Tsitsipas’s view, this ability to maintain excellence over two decades is as worthy of praise as any number of Grand Slam trophies.

The Human Element

When discussing Federer, Tsitsipas often shifts the conversation from technical skills to something more profound: Federer’s character. Known for his sportsmanship, humility, and emotional connection with fans, Federer brought a level of humanity to tennis that few athletes have ever achieved.

He cried after wins. He cried after losses. He signed autographs for kids, stayed long after matches to thank fans, and always carried himself with dignity — even in crushing defeats.

“He showed us how to win gracefully and how to lose gracefully,” Tsitsipas once said, adding that Federer taught an entire generation of players that it’s not just about being the best — it’s about being the best person you can be.

Even Federer’s rivals admired him. From Nadal’s heartfelt tribute at his retirement to Djokovic’s emotional words about their battles, Federer’s presence lifted the whole sport. He created a culture of respect, something that Tsitsipas deeply values and credits as a guiding influence in his own career.

The GOAT Is More Than Numbers

Let’s face it — the term GOAT has become almost mechanical in modern sports debates. We tally stats, count rings, measure dominance in terms of victories. And yes, Djokovic’s 24 Grand Slam titles and counting are astonishing. Nadal’s clay court supremacy is unmatched. But as Tsitsipas argues, greatness is not just about accumulation.

It’s about legacy.

It’s about the moments that took our breath away, the matches that made history, the rallies that sparked joy even in defeat. And in that department, Federer reigns supreme.

Whether it was the 2008 Wimbledon final against Nadal, widely regarded as the greatest tennis match ever played, or his five consecutive US Open titles, or the fact that he remained competitive well into his late 30s, Federer crafted a narrative that reads like a tennis epic — full of beauty, drama, and heart.

Tsitsipas understands this. He knows that some things can’t be measured by a stat sheet. That’s why, even in a time when younger fans are gravitating toward raw dominance and aggressive records, he stands firm in his belief: Federer is the greatest because he changed the sport forever.

Legacy Lives Beyond the Court

As Federer has stepped away from professional tennis, his impact continues to grow. From launching the Laver Cup, which has brought new life and camaraderie to the sport, to his philanthropic work through the Roger Federer Foundation, his legacy is not limited to what he did on the court.

Tsitsipas himself has mentioned that Federer taught him what it means to be a complete athlete — someone who not only plays well but gives back, uplifts others, and uses their platform for good.

And let’s not ignore Federer’s role in shaping the next generation. Players like Tsitsipas, Alcaraz, Auger-Aliassime, and others have all pointed to Federer as their primary inspiration growing up. His influence is embedded in their techniques, their mental approach, and their appreciation for the sport.

This ripple effect, this living legacy, might just be Federer’s greatest triumph.

Conclusion: Why Tsitsipas Says Federer Is Still the GOAT 

So, does Stefanos Tsitsipas believe that Federer is the GOAT simply because he was his childhood idol? No. He believes it because Federer represents something bigger than tennis. He is the embodiment of grace under pressure, the gold standard of sportsmanship, the architect of some of the game’s most beautiful moments.

In a world obsessed with quantifiable success, Federer remains a testament to the power of elegance, character, and inspiration. That’s why Tsitsipas — and countless others — still see him as the Greatest of All Time.