Google News Dominic Thiem: Roger Federer will always be the one who had biggest impact on tennis
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 3844
Dominic Thiem paid tribute to the great Roger Federer as he believes the Swiss is the ultimate tennis icon and that no one will ever have a bigger impact on tennis. Federer, a former 20-time Grand Slam champion, is widely regarded as the best ambassador the game has ever had.
Even though Federer didn't finish with the all-time Grand Slam record, Thiem believes there are things in which no one will ever be able to beat the Swiss great. "Yes, it's definitely possible. No matter how much the others win, Rafa, Novak or someone in the future, Roger will always be the one who had the biggest influence on tennis.
I think he influenced every sport, because of his character, his special aura. I think he took tennis to another level and everyone benefited from that. We all have to be very grateful to him," Thiem told dnevnik.hr.
Thiem pays a beautiful tribute to Federer
Now that Federer is retired, the battle for the all-time Grand Slam record has come down to Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
After winning this year's Australian Open, Novak Djokovic tied Rafael Nadal on the all-time Grand Slam record list with 22 Majors. When asked about the greatest of all time debate, Thiem said he believes the one with the most Grand Slam titles deserves to be considered the GOAT.
"In my personal opinion, the Grand Slams. Because those are the four most important tournaments in tennis, everything else is nice, but it's not the same. The Grand Slams are what counts really, so in the end, whoever wins the most Grand Slams will probably be the greatest in (tennis) history," Thiem explained.
Meanwhile, Thiem is a four-time Grand Slam finalist and he has one Grand Slam in his collection. In his first two Grand Slam finals at the French Open, Thiem was beaten by Rafael Nadal. In the 2020 Australian Open final, Thiem lost to Novak Djokovic in five sets.
In his fourth Grand Slam final at the 2020 US Open, Thiem defeated Alexander Zverev and finally lifted a Major title.