Alex de Minaur has called Roger Federer the ‘GOAT’ ahead of a possible quarter-final meeting at the US Open.
Federer holds the record for the number of Grand Slams (20), weeks as world No 1 (310) and the most Wimbledon titles (eight).
Those are just some of his accomplishments but the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are snapping at his heels to strip him of some of his accolades.
Then there is Serena Williams, who has been the most dominant player of her generation in the women’s game.
The conversation over who will end up being regarded as the greatest ever is almost exclusively between Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Williams.
Speaking after beating Kei Nishikori, De Minaur was asked if he had a nickname for the 38-year-old.
And the Aussie replied: “Roger? Oh, you know, it’s probably one of the easiest ones: GOAT.”
De Minaur was asked for his own nickname and he was pretty pleased with what he’s been given.
“Demon. That’s something that’s sort of caught on in Australia,” he said.
“And, yeah, I don’t mind it.
“I like to think it’s got something to do with sort of my fiery attitude on court.
“Just, you know, I get pretty fired up and pumped up. I’d like to think it’s something to do with that.”
De Minaur could face Federer in the quarter-finals if he beats Grigor Dimitrov and the five-time US Open champion defeats David Goffin.
But De Minaur is refusing to look too far ahead.
He said: “Well, I don’t think about that because I don’t look at the draw. Now I know. Nothing changes. “I will do all the same things. I’ll take it as a big opportunity, as I did for this match.
“This is where I want to be, so I’ll go out there and leave 100 per cent. Nothing changes.”