"Why the fu** can't fans do it?" - Andy Roddick laments lack of respect among Federer, Djokovic & Nadal fans

The tennis GOAT (Greatest of All Time) — largely centering Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic — debate has been raging for years, with Andy Roddick being the latest to weigh in. The former World No. 1 in his latest comments offered some advice to the fans.

The American, in a recent episode of his Served with Andy Roddick podcast, reminded fans about the importance of respect.

Citing the example of Federer and Djokovic praising each other despite having their differences in the past, Roddick said there was no reason that fans could not do the same.

"The moment you're describing of Roger, saying something to Novak and Novak having the respect for Roger... they've had bumpy moments. They're well documented," Roddick said.

"If those two can push everything aside, And say you were great, you're a reason why I was great. Why the f*** can't fans do it too?" he questioned.

Roddick said fans can continue to support the players of their choice, but should remember that top players Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have immense respect for each other. By being respectful in presenting their own views, he said, the fans will also be honouring the principles that their idols stand for.

"If you want to support your guy support, the things that your guy respects support, the people that he respects, you don't have to like them," Andy Roddick said. "Respect needs to be a baseline. You cannot say I like this person this. So this person's a piece of s**t loser. Like that's just not true."

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"It's not me against you, it's us" - Andy Roddick to Federer, Nadal, Djokovic & other tennis fans

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic at the Laver Cup - Getty Images

Striking a personal note in the podcast, Andy Roddick said he knew Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic and they did not stand for a “me against you” approach to tennis.

The American said tennis fans should now view the sport in binaries, but present a united front.

"It's not true. I know these people, it's not true. Save the s**t because it's not me against you, it's us. And we are all better for it," Andy Roddick said.

Djokovic is currently nursing a knee injury but may be back just in time to participate in Wimbledon where he will look to equal Roger Federer's record of eight titles. Nadal, meanwhile, has decided to skip the Grasscourt Slam to focus on the Paris Olympics.