Sports
Tim Henman Named His Greatest Tennis Player of All Time
Tennis throughout the modern era has largely been defined by four legendary figures. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray collectively dominated the ATP rankings, with the quartet controlling the world No. 1 position continuously from 2004 until 2022.
With that in mind, here is a closer look at the remarkable impact and achievements of tennis’ most dominant generation.
Tennis’ Big Four
Roger Federer
Roger Federer is widely viewed as one of the most naturally gifted players the sport has ever produced. The Swiss icon captured 20 Grand Slam singles crowns during his career, including a men’s record eight Wimbledon titles.
Celebrated for his fluid movement, attacking style, and consistency across every surface, Federer spent 310 weeks as world No. 1. His influence on the game extends beyond trophies, with his professionalism and popularity helping elevate tennis globally.
|
Roger Federer’s Grand Slam results |
|
|---|---|
|
Grand Slam |
Best result |
|
Australian Open |
W (2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017, 2018) |
|
French Open |
W (2009) |
|
Wimbledon |
W (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2017) |
|
US Open |
W (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008) |
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal established himself as the greatest clay-court player in tennis history, collecting 22 Grand Slam singles titles overall. Fourteen of those victories came at the French Open, a record unlikely to be matched.
‘I Played Against Every Member of Tennis’ ‘Big Four’ – Here’s Who Was Toughest’
British tennis legend, Tin Henman, has named the toughest opponent out of the sport’s ‘Big Four’, while also naming the GOAT of the sport.
Renowned for his relentless intensity and fighting spirit, Nadal spent more than 200 weeks ranked No. 1 in the world. His unforgettable battles with Federer and Djokovic defined an iconic era for the sport.
|
Rafael Nadal’s Grand Slam results |
|
|---|---|
|
Grand Slam |
Best result |
|
Australian Open |
W (2009, 2022) |
|
French Open |
W (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022) |
|
Wimbledon |
W (2008, 2010) |
|
US Open |
W (2010, 2013, 2017, 2019) |
Andy Murray
Andy Murray may not have matched the Slam totals of his rivals, but the Brit firmly earned his place among tennis’ elite. Murray won three Grand Slam singles titles, including two memorable triumphs at Wimbledon, ending Britain’s decades-long wait for a home men’s champion. He also held the world No. 1 ranking for 41 weeks.
Throughout his career, Murray became admired for his resilience, defensive skill, and ability to compete against some of the greatest players ever seen.
|
Andy Murray’s Grand Slam results |
|
|---|---|
|
Grand Slam |
Best result |
|
Australian Open |
F (2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016) |
|
French Open |
F (2016) |
|
Wimbledon |
W (2013, 2016) |
|
US Open |
W (2012) |
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic has built one of the most decorated careers the sport has ever witnessed. The Serbian superstar has claimed 24 Grand Slam singles titles, the highest tally in men’s tennis, while also winning seven Wimbledon crowns. Djokovic additionally holds the record for the most weeks spent as world No. 1, highlighting his sustained excellence over multiple eras. Even in the latter stages of his career, he continues to compete at the very highest level.
|
Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam results |
|
|---|---|
|
Grand Slam |
Best result |
|
Australian Open |
W (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023) |
|
French Open |
W (2016, 2021, 2023) |
|
Wimbledon |
W (2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022) |
|
US Open |
W (2011, 2015, 2018, 2023) |
Tim Henman’s Tennis GOAT
He faced every member of the Big Four during his career
Prior to the dominance of the Big Four, British tennis fans looked to Tim Henman as the nation’s leading figure on the ATP Tour. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Henman became one of Britain’s most recognisable athletes and later inspired the next generation, including Andy Murray. Throughout his career, he also had the opportunity to compete against each member of the Big Four.
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Henman once reflected on those experiences, discussing which player he believed possessed the most complete all-round game while also revealing his choice for the greatest male player ever.
Speaking with talkSPORT, Henman explained why Federer stood out to him as the most complete opponent.
“For me, Federer was the most complete player that I ever played against. I played Federer the most and I felt that he had the most complete game, he could play on any surface, had very few weaknesses, and there wasn’t a specific area that you could necessarily attack.”
Despite praising Federer’s all-around ability, Henman ultimately believes another member of the Big Four deserves the title of the greatest player ever.
“I only played Djokovic once when he was young. I think sort of 18, 19, and his game was developing then. He didn’t serve quite so well, but it’s been incredible to see how all their games evolved over time.
“For me, it’s pretty clear that Djokovic is the greatest male player of all time. When you look at the numbers — Grand Slams, weeks at world number one, Masters 1000 titles — Djokovic leads in almost every major category. That’s why, for me, the debate is fairly straightforward.”
Real Madrid have undergone a dramatic culture shift behind the scenes, with new manager Jose Mourinho tearing up the old rulebook covering everything from nutrition and discipline to injury recovery.
Players who previously enjoyed near-total freedom over how they organised their days are now operating under a far stricter regime, one designed to stamp the new coach’s identity on every corner of the club.
The changes for Los Blancos cover far more than what happens on the training pitch, touching on almost every aspect of a player’s daily life at the club’s training complex, as they embark on a season where winning trophies is essential, after two years without one.
Jose Mourinho Overhauls Rules at Real Madrid
Mourinho studied the setup at Valdebebas upon arrival before concluding the system needed tighter control, according to Spanish outlet AS. It appears Mourinho isn’t applying these rules for the sake of being strict and to challenge the larger-than-life personalities among the Madrid ranks. Instead, they’re being enforced with rigour and conviction, with team spirit sitting at the heart of his project.
The club underlined that point by sharing a photo of every player and staff member eating together, a scene rarely noticed before.
Sources inside the club said:
“He wants to strengthen team spirit and unity, and it is going in a way that is generating excitement,” while others described the current atmosphere as “very good.”
Indeed, the players are said to have met the changes with satisfaction and positivity.
Real Madrid’s New Nutrition and Discipline Rules Explained
The three changes are based on nutrition, discipline, and recovery.
Nutrition has also changed significantly. The club nutritionist no longer simply offers advice but now prepares mandatory, pre-set menus for breakfast and snacks, with every meal built around athletic performance rather than personal taste. Despite the shift, it’s been reported that there is no unrest in the dressing room, with players said to have welcomed the changes.
Discipline follows a similar pattern. Rather than fines, sanctions now involve individual gym sessions away from the group, while every player must arrive at Valdebebas a full hour before training, with no exceptions for lateness.
Recovery has been centralised too, with all programmes, including those involving personal trainers, now carried out under club supervision. External treatment is no longer permitted, marking a clear break from the freedom players had grown used to before Mourinho’s arrival.
For some time now, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been making negative headlines. He drew criticism for the way he cosied up to Donald Trump ahead of the 2026 World Cup, and has only made himself more unpopular since then.
His biggest mistake, however, appears to have been the plan to privatise the World Cup. The idea of selling off shares in FIFA’s biggest competition sparked outrage, with many now turning on the football administrator. Notably, UEFA have led the calls for Infantino to step down from his role.
The 56-year-old actually used to work for UEFA, joining in 2000 and leaving 16 years later to take on his current role with FIFA. During that time, it’s now been reported that he had an ‘alleged mistress.’
UEFA Reportedly Paid Off Infantino’s Alleged Mistress
As per The Telegraph, UEFA reportedly paid off an alleged mistress of Infantino while he was working as general secretary. It’s said that the woman, a junior employee, received a six-figure sum after the alleged relationship with Infantino – who is married and has four children – while he was a leading official at European football’s governing body.
What’s more, she is alleged to have been promoted by the now-FIFA president during their relationship. After she left, the football organisation reportedly paid for her to do an MBA at a business school which charged fees of about £45,000 a year.
The woman was reportedly in an administrative position when their relationship began, but was subsequently promoted to a more lucrative managerial role. When she left, Infantino is alleged to have used then his connections to get her a new lucrative job, and later diverted UEFA funds to secure her pay-off.
In a statement, UEFA admitted that a payment had been made and that it was aware of the allegations that the woman was in a relationship with Infantino. The European footballing body said they have since “tightened” their regulations to “reflect those found in a modern, high-profile organisation.”
FIFA Statement on Infantino Allegations
A FIFA spokesman has said that there had never been any complaints by employees about Infantino’s behaviour. In a statement, the spokesman also confirmed that the organisation’s president denies the claims:
“FIFA president Gianni Infantino strongly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue. Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory.
“No employee at Uefa and Fifa has ever raised a complaint regarding Mr Infantino’s behaviour because there never was an incident where he was involved. All company actions related to employees, including any departure and severance packages, have always been approved by the appropriate directors in accordance with all applicable regulations.”
The Telegraph went on to claim, via sources, that Infantino was challenged over the alleged affair by Michel Platini, UEFA’s then president, and it was agreed that she would leave with a six-figure pay-off.
Manchester City have made contact over a surprise deal to sign Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister as a replacement for Rodri, according to reports.
The Cityzens have had a relatively quiet summer transfer window so far, breaking their club-record to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, while also bringing in teenager Jeremy Monga and young goalkeeper Pierce Charles for new manager Enzo Maresca.
But the club are facing a battle to hold on to their star midfielder after he won the World Cup, and plans are underway for City to find a replacement ahead of the new season beginning.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
City have accumulated a shortlist of options to replace the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner after it emerged that he is keen to return to Spain, amid strong interest from Barcelona. Mac Allister is one of the players on that list, although it is unclear if he would be open to the move or if Liverpool would be open to selling the Argentina international.
Rodri Says Yes to Barcelona in Huge Transfer Twist
Mac Allister has been a regular for Liverpool since signing from Brighton in 2023, winning the Premier League and EFL Cup in his three seasons at Anfield. He has made 150 appearances, scoring 19 goals in that time, and earned the praise of some top stars.
One such star was Paul Scholes, who listed him as the fourth-best midfielder in world football last year, behind only Vitinha, Rodri and Pedri.
“Mac Allister, again, I thought he was brilliant last year for Liverpool. I saw him close up in the game at Old Trafford, as I mentioned before, he was brilliant, controlled everything. I don’t think he’s had a great start to this season.
“So I’ll have Mac Allister at number four.”
| Rodri World Cup 2026 Stats | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 8 |
| Minutes | 726 |
| Key Passes (per 90) | 1.4 |
| Average Passes (per 90) | 101.4 |
| Pass Success % | 93.2 |
| Long Balls (per 90) | 4.6 |
Man City Reject Barcelona Bid as Rodri Agrees to Move
GIVEMESPORT sources understand that Man City have already rejected an opening bid from Barcelona for Rodri.
The Catalan giants tabled an offer worth an initial €45m (£38.5m), but City have rejected it out of hand as they are looking for around €75m (£64.2m) to let the 30-year-old leave, despite him being in the final year of his contract.
Rodri has already agreed terms with Hansi Flick’s side over a move, having picked them over rivals Real Madrid, who have now exited the race for his signature. Barcelona are now planning to make a fresh offer, and remain confident of finding an agreement with City in the coming weeks.
The Spain international was key to the World Cup win this summer, but is currently sidelined after undergoing surgery for a back issue following the tournament.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored – correct as of 07/08/2026.
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