When discussing the greatest tennis player of all time, Roger Federer is almost always mentioned among the leading contenders. The Swiss legend ruled the sport throughout much of the 2000s and 2010s, building unforgettable rivalries with stars such as Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and several other elite competitors.

One of the defining moments of Federer’s career came in the 2008 Wimbledon final against Nadal, a match lasting four hours and 48 minutes that is still widely regarded as one of the finest Grand Slam finals ever played.

Although Federer narrowly lost the epic five-set contest, he continued collecting major titles in the years that followed. By the time he retired, he had secured 20 Grand Slam singles championships, including a record eight Wimbledon crowns, highlighted by five consecutive victories at the All England Club.

With achievements spanning nearly every milestone in the sport, Federer is well qualified to weigh in on the tennis GOAT debate. During a discussion about the athletes who influenced and impressed him throughout his career, he singled out one player above everyone else, describing them as the greatest tennis player in history.

Roger Federer’s Pick For Tennis GOAT

Since stepping away from professional tennis, Federer has remained relatively reserved in public appearances. Throughout his playing career, he was equally respected for his sportsmanship, graceful attitude in defeat, and composed personality, qualities that distinguished him from many of his biggest rivals.

Despite sharing the court with champions such as Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray, Federer did not select any of them as his all-time greatest player. Nor did he place himself at the top of the list despite his remarkable resume.

Instead, he gave that distinction to Serena Williams, one of the most accomplished athletes the sport has ever produced.

Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, Federer explained: “It’s been fascinating to watch. She had a totally different upbringing—I came up through Switzerland with the federation. She did it with her dad and her sister. It’s an amazing story unto itself—and then she became one of the greatest, if not the greatest, tennis player of all time.”

Federer later clarified that he was referring to Williams as one of the greatest players in tennis history overall, not simply among women. At the same time, he acknowledged that comparing players from different eras is never straightforward.

Serena Williams’ Glittering Tennis Career

Serena Williams is widely recognised as one of the finest players ever to compete in tennis.

Williams captured her first Grand Slam title at just 18 years old by winning the 1999 US Open. A few years later, she produced one of the sport’s most dominant stretches, claiming four consecutive major championships from the 2002 French Open through the 2003 Australian Open. During that extraordinary run, she defeated her sister Venus Williams in each Grand Slam final.

Although injuries and fluctuating form interrupted her dominance for a period, Williams re-established herself at the top of the game beginning with her Wimbledon victory in 2012. That season also included Olympic gold before she embarked on another remarkable spell, winning eight of the following 13 Grand Slam tournaments. Her final major triumph came at the 2017 Australian Open, where she secured her 23rd Grand Slam singles title and surpassed Steffi Graf’s Open Era record.

One of Williams’ defining qualities was her exceptional longevity, with an 18-year span separating her first and final Grand Slam victories. Competing successfully across multiple generations of players further strengthened her legacy, something Federer also highlighted when reflecting on both of their careers.

Two-time UFC champion Conor McGregor has reminded his followers and the MMA world that he will be back in the Octagon next weekend after posting a peculiar video on his social media accounts.

The Irishman will end his five-year hiatus from professional fighting on the 11th of July when he takes on Max Holloway for a second time at UFC 329 in Las Vegas.

McGregor’s last appearance in the Octagon saw him stopped for a second consecutive time against Dustin Poirier, leaving him at 1-2 in his trilogy with the American.

Following this opening round stoppage defeat, McGregor spent time on the sidelines with a broken lower tibia and was only scheduled to return to the Octagon in the summer of 2023 against Michael Chandler at UFC 303.

However, the proposed fight with Chandler fell through a fortnight prior to the event due to the Irish star suffering a toe injury.

The former featherweight and lightweight champion’s comeback was delayed further in 2025 after he failed to mention his whereabouts for biological sample collections on three occasions in the year prior. The 18-month ban he was handed for violating the UFC’s anti-doping policy ended in April this year.

His second meeting with Holloway next weekend will be held at welterweight, with the first encounter from 13 years ago having been a featherweight encounter. The 2013 bout saw McGregor take care of business against the American by securing a unanimous decision victory.

Conor McGregor’s Advert Before UFC 329

In an attempt to generate hype ahead of his imminent return to the Octagon, the 37-year-old has put up an interesting post on his official social accounts ahead of fight week.

The black and white video, captioned: ‘Against All Odds. July 11th’ depicts the two-time UFC champion excessively washing his face with water over a sink before looking directly into a mirror and stating, “You talking to me? We’re together, me and you,” before washing his face more.

The bizarre video then continues as McGregor keeps his eyes locked on the mirror as he shouts: “You’re talking to me. You doubt me. After all we’ve been through!”

The post, made in partnership with Polymarket, then abruptly ends as the video’s tagline of ‘Against All Odds’ is displayed across the screen.

Evidently, McGregor is keen to silence those who remain sceptical about his return to MMA action and doubt whether he is still a big draw in the Octagon after half a decade away.

While next Saturday night’s showdown at T-Mobila Arena is going to be a major moment for McGregor, it will also be an important outing for Holloway. The American is hoping to return to winning ways after being defeated by Brazil’s Charles Oliveira in a lightweight contest earlier this year, which meant he lost his “BMF” belt.

Manchester United look set to miss out on West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, but they do have alternative options lined up.

The Red Devils have been heavily focusing on bringing in new midfielders in the summer transfer window, but their pursuit of Fernandes appears to be coming to an end.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Tottenham have now beaten Manchester United in the race for Fernandes, paying a fee of around £85m with no add-ons.

It’s back to the drawing board for the Red Devils, who stood firm in the fact that they didn’t want to overpay for the Portuguese midfielder.

It’s undoubtedly a smart signing for Spurs, and United now need to explore alternative targets.

Man Utd Exploring Fernandes Alternatives

via Reuters

With Manchester United set to miss out on Fernandes, they do have a list of alternatives to reinforce their midfield in the summer transfer window.

According to a report from The Athletic, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is another target for the Red Devils, with signing a midfielder their clear focus.

Reports have suggested that Wharton could cost in the region of £100m, more than what Spurs are expected to pay for Fernandes.

The English midfielder, described as a ‘superstar’, has flourished since making the move to Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers, and it’s no surprise that Palace are looking to receive £100m for him.

Missing out on Fernandes is a blow for United, but it is a positive that they already have a list of alternative targets.

Manuel Ugarte Injury: Man Utd’s Transfer Plans

Midfielder Manuel Ugarte recently suffered what appeared to be a serious injury while at the World Cup with his country.

It was a crucial blow for the Red Devils, with United planning to offload him during the summer transfer window.

The Athletic’s Ornstein has confirmed that their midfielder recruitment plans remain unaffected after the injury. They will still be looking to sign at least two midfielders in the summer transfer window, and they have a list of targets they could aim for.

Wharton is among those who United are looking at, but it remains to be seen who they pursue after missing out on Fernandes.