Roger Federer’s Unmatched Legacy Snubbed as Stefanos Tsitsipas Picks NBA Legend Over the Swiss Tennis Maestro
Stefanos Tsitsipas, known for his unwavering admiration for Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer, has always idolized Federer as the pinnacle of tennis greatness. However, in a recent twist, the young Greek star found himself in a surprising dilemma, choosing another legendary figure—NBA icon Michael Jordan—over his long-time tennis hero.
The Surprising Choice
In a candid session with 433 community’s host, Tsitsipas was asked to choose his “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) between Federer and Jordan. Expecting it to be an easy decision, the question quickly threw him off. After some hesitation, he apologized to Federer, saying, “I’m sorry Roger… Michael Jordan,” and admitted his admiration for the basketball legend. This surprising pick brought a lighthearted laugh from the host, who recognized the difficult choice Stefanos had to make.
Federer Remains His Tennis Idol
Despite this surprising choice, Tsitsipas’s admiration for Federer hasn’t wavered. Earlier this year, during the Monte-Carlo Masters, he revealed his respect for Federer, expressing his desire to emulate both Federer’s grace and Rafael Nadal’s intensity. “I know I say a lot that Roger Federer is my idol, but I find beauty in Rafael Nadal, too,” he shared, showcasing his admiration for both players.
Federer’s influence on Tsitsipas is undeniable. Reflecting on their past matchups, Tsitsipas told Tennis Channel about the “majestic” experience of facing Federer on the court. He described it as “mesmerizing” to play against someone he had admired since childhood. Winning or losing wasn’t his focus—just the honor of standing across the net from Federer was enough.
Head-to-Head Battles and Moments of Admiration
Over the years, Federer and Tsitsipas have faced each other five times, with Federer leading their head-to-head rivalry 3-2. For Tsitsipas, each encounter was a dream fulfilled, a chance to live out his childhood fantasies. “I enjoyed it even though I got beaten multiple times,” he admitted, highlighting his love for the experience over the result.In a way, Tsitsipas’s choice to pick Michael Jordan as his GOAT speaks more to his broad admiration for excellence across sports than a slight to Federer. After all, Federer remains his “childhood idol,” an inspiration that continues to shape his game.
What’s Your GOAT Choice?
While Tsitsipas’s choice might surprise fans, it reminds us that even the greatest admirers sometimes find inspiration beyond their immediate sport. Who’s your sporting GOAT?
