Rio Ferdinand ranks Novak Djokovic among the all-time sporting greats – and admits he still prefers Roger Federer

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes Novak Djokovic has earned the right to be recognised as one of the greatest athletes of all-time, but he admits he got more joy watching Roger Federer in action.

Djokovic will aim to win a 25th Grand Slam title and an 11th at the Australian Open when the Melbourne tournament gets underway on Sunday, with his status as the ultimate champion in tennis assured after he moved clear of of his rivals in the race to finish his career with the most major titles.

The longevity of his dominance at the top of men’s tennis has led many observers to suggest Djokovic may be remembered as one of the greatest athletes in sporting history, with Ferdinand suggesting the dedication he has shown has put him in that elite list.

“I think he’s got to be up there with the best of all-time in sport,” TNT Sports football pundit Ferdinand to Tennis365, speaking ahead of Eurosport and discovery+’s live coverage of the Australian Open.

“Physically, he has to be the best. You see reports about the detail he goes into with his nutrition and his diets and he has to be right up there with the best athletes ever.

“These guys play for five hours. We played for 90 minutes and we were dead! It’s hard. I’ve tried tennis and it’s hard man!

“You look at some great boxers and other athletes down the years and it’s hard to say who is the best of all-time, but he is certainly in my top five.

“When you see how meticulous he is, there have not been too many better.

“We’ve had some great athletes down the years, but I’d certainly put Djokovic in the top five of all-time, for sure.”

Djokovic’s success in remaining the leading player in men’s tennis at the age of 36 has ensured he has eclipsed Federer and Rafael Nadal in the race to claim the most significant records in the history of the men’s game.

With Nadal’s ongoing injury issues and Federer long since retired, Djokovic appears to be well-placed to extend his advantage in the Grand Slam title list.

He has also been world No 1 for longer than Federer and Nadal and has a winning record against both of his great rivals.

Statistically, the debate over who will be etched into the record books as the GOAT of tennis appears to be over, but the discussion over who will be remembered as the ultimate hero of the sport rumbles on.

Now Ferdinand has entered the never-ending tenning debate over who will leave the biggest legacy in the sport and he admitted he got more enjoyment watching the graceful 20-time Grand Slam king Federer play than he does watching the more clinical and ruthless Djokovic.

He also reflected on a meeting with Federer and suggested it was one of the highlights of his career working in broadcasting.

When asked who he enjoyed watching more than any other player on a tennis court, the former England defender had no hesitation in offering up a quick answer.

“It has to be Federer, To see the way Federer slapped that backhand away when it was firing was a thing of beauty,” he added.

“Another thing about him that no one else has ever done in tennis is make me look at the outfit he was wearing when he walked out on the Centre Court.

“That clean white outfit and the Rolex watch. I used to look at him and think this guy is different level.

“I actually interviewed Federer once. The day after he broke the record for winning the most titles at Wimbledon.

“Nike rented out a house in Wimbledon and I went there to interview him and it was one of the best moments I have had. I remember I was nervous.”