"Why do people nowadays never mention Steffi Graf?" - Fans react to Jack Draper's GOAT debate picks ft. Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic

Jack Draper sparked a lively debate among tennis fans with his recent comments about Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the greatest-of-all-time (GOAT) conversation. The British tennis star admitted his admiration for Nadal but ultimately declared Djokovic as the GOAT.

In a recent interview with Sky Sports on Monday, Draper was asked to proclaim the tennis GOAT from between Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. The World No. 15 acknowledged Williams as the undisputed GOAT in women's tennis before diving into the debate surrounding the men's game.

Reflecting on his childhood, he admitted that the Spanish tennis icon, who recently retired from the sport, was his idol, however, Draper balanced sentiment with logic.

"And then out of these three… when I was growing up, every kit, every new look was him, he was just so iconic. Obviously, being a left-hander like myself. My head says Novak. My heart is Rafa but for me, the GOAT is obviously Novak Djokovic," Jack Draper said.

Draper's honest and balanced response struck a chord with fans, sparking a flood of reactions online. Some praised Draper for separating personal feelings from objective reasoning, while others raised broader questions about underappreciated legends like 22-time Grand Slam champion Steffi Graf.

"I have the same conflicting thoughts when deciding between Novak and Rafa but for women’s tennis, why do people nowadays never mention Steffi Graf. The new age of tennis media/ players/ fans etc need to educate themselves on this because her achievements are phenomenal!" one fan said.

"Ok he has gone up in my estimations after this - separating facts from feelings is something that many struggle with nowadays," one fan said.

Several fans praised Jack Draper for his ability to separate facts from feelings.

"Fair enough! I like an honest man and at the end of the day , we all love the GOAT in our hearts the most!" another fan said.

"Good answer!" a fan said.

"Not even Jack’s steadfast adoration for Rafa can dissuade him from using his brain 🧠 and choosing Novak Djokovic as the GREATEST OF ALL TIME. 👏🏻👏🏻" one fan said.

One fan, however, suggested that GOAT status should encompass both qualitative and quantitative attributes, proposing that Nadal and Djokovic can share the title.

"Go with both Jack. GOAT is measured IMO in both qualitative and quantitative attributes and achievements. Novak only has the stats but Rafa have both. Who says we can’t have 2 GOATs or even 3?" the fan said.

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Jack Draper's record against Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal

Jack Draper at the Erste Bank Open 2024 (Image: Getty)

Jack Draper has gone up against both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal once in his career but has lost both matches.

Draper faced Djokovic in the first round at Wimbledon in 2021. The Brit managed to bag the first set but could not capitalize on the momentum as the Serb won the next three sets convincingly 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.

Against Nadal, Draper has a similar story. The pair faced off in the first round of the Australian Open in 2023 and the Brit managed to bag the first set. However, he lost the next three sets consecutively again to lose 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1.