Andy Roddick of the U.S. acknowledges the crowd after his defeat to Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina in their men's singles match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York September 5, 2012. REUTERS/Adam Hunge
Andy Roddick of the U.S. acknowledges the crowd after his defeat to Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina in their men's singles match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York September 5, 2012. REUTERS/Adam Hunger REUTERS

Andy Roddick says Roger Federer, not Rafael Nadal, is the greatest tennis player of all time. In the boundless discussion about whether Federer or Nadal is the greatest tennis player in history, Roddick has explained why he thinks the Swiss is the best player there has ever been in the sporting world of tennis.

In a news article by City A.M., London's daily business newspaper, Roddick praised Federer in his performance in the 2014 season. He said he's not really surprised about it because he knows what Federer is capable of doing.

"For me, Roger Federer is still ahead in the greatest-ever debate, with Rafael Nadal second," Roddick said. He added that even if Federer is 23-10 down to Nadal in their head-to-head, it shouldn't be the basis in determining who the better player is.

Roddick said that the South African tennis player Wayne Ferreira's record against 14-time Grand Slam champion Pete Sampras may be a good indication of Ferreira's capacity, but it didn't affect Sampras' legacy. Sampras, before the emergence of Federer, was heralded as the greatest of all time. Sampras won 64 titles, while Ferreira secured 16 titles, all throughout their respective professional tennis careers.

In the case of Federer and Nadal's rivalry, Roddick said that individual match-ups don't really count unless the Spaniard can equal Federer's 17 wins at Grand Slam tournaments. Only then can Nadal be hailed as the greatest of all time, Roddick said. "In its most simplistic state, while Roger has more major titles than Rafa, Roger is the greater player - major championships are what define our sport."

Roddick has retired from professional tennis after the 2012 US Open. The last match that he played was against Juan Martin del Potro in the fourth round of the 2012 US Open, 6-7, 7-6, 6-2, 6-4. After tennis, Roddick has embraced a broadcasting job. He currently works as an analyst on Fox Sports Live.

Roddick is slated to play in the Statoil Masters Tennis to be held at the Royal Albert Hall from December 3 to December 7, 2014. He is joined by other ATP champions Tim Henman, Fernando Gonzalez, Greg Rusedski, Sergi Bruguera, and Thomas Enqvist. Tennis legends John McEnroe, Pat Cash, and Henre Leconte will also be taking part at the said event.

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