Is Roger Federer the greatest tennis player of all time?

Impoosible to judge, except subjectively, as so much has changed over the years. Not only coming of professionalism, but use of vastly more powerful racquets. Rod Laver had to use the old wooden framed, small-headed tools with cat-gut stringing. For my money, subjectively, the best ever was Pancho Gonzales. But in these best-ever polls the most recent always score best, don't they? Memories are short.

Agree with Claire re Federer not giving any credit to other players no matter how good they are. Nadal is always honest in his comments and gives credit to other players. When he lost to Federer at Wimbledon in 2007 he saved any tears to shed in private not bawling like a baby because he had lost unlike Federer at the Australian Open. If Nadal can keep free from injuries I'm sure he will go on to win many more major titles and then he can be called the greatest - I sure hope so! If he hadn't been injured at
the French this year Federer wouldn't have stood a chance. He can count himself lucky!

Chris, You make an eloquent speaker for sure. Yes, if we go on titles alone then he is the greatest player of all time- cannot argue with that in itself, for sure. You are right in your analysis. Yet, will never like him as a player or be a fan of him personally as like the feisty charismatic players the most, always have, always will. Never liked Sampras in his day either- another dull character.Vamos Rafa! Come on Andy Murray! About time we had a champion whose personality is as dynamic a match as his wins. Kind regards to all.

Was cheering on Andy Roddick as wanted the underdog to win so was really miffed when Roger Federer won yet again!! Last year's final was awesome to see Rafael Nada beat Roger Federer as Rafael is the best ever kind of champion. He may be the greatest player in terms of titles/career wins yet Roger is not the greatest champion as a champion who cries in defeat and one who never gives credit to his oponnents come win or lose is not a gallant/true champion.The greats may call him the greatest yet he is still a robot/ice king. Best in terms of wins, yet, not the best in terms of being the most charming or gracious or charismatic by a long way. Hoping Rafael Nadal or Andy Murray wins next year. Variety is the spice of life so is charisma. When was a child loved to watch John McEnroe as not only was he exciting to watch with his tennis yet he was full of emotion. Everyone is entitled to have their own tennis favourites.Yes, Federer is a brilliant if not a robotic player yet he will never ever be my favourite for far too many reasons some of which have already stated. It is a free country so Anon can say what he/she likes as can I. Best ever player yes, greatest champion- No way!! Hope a player , any player yet hopefully Andy Murray or Rafael Nadal,beats him next year then will be extremely happy!!

Anon, Yours, is a bit of a silly comment, all players lose, sometimes they go through a period of losing but their greatness is measured over a career, Roger Federer has broken all of the important records, including the most important one, which is the number of Grand Slam titles, even the greats are calling him the best to ever play the game, his record alone proves that he is the best ever but the acceptance by all of the greats, should be good enough, even for you.