But the funniest twist in all the discussions about whether Federer is the greatest ever is how we’re in a unique, never-seen-before moment in sporting history. Consider this: Nadal is sitting quietly, watching people fight about who the greatest is, observing the pundits bring up Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg and Pete Sampras, and rubbing his hands with glee as they conclude that it has to be Federer.

So on one hand, you’ve got the best of all time, and on the other, someone who may lose to others but has been able to dominate him regularly even at the biggest stage.

I may not be the greatest player who ever lived, Nadal could choose to say, I just beat him every time we play.

kunal.pradhan@expressindia.com