Debating the Greatest Athletes: ESPN's Controversial List Sparks Heated Discussions in the Tennis World

The debate over the greatest athletes of the 21st century has always been a contentious one, with fans and experts passionately arguing their cases. Recently, ESPN's release of their top 100 athletes list has reignited this discussion, particularly within the tennis community. Former American pro Mardy Fish has joined the fray, expressing his disagreement with the rankings and questioning his own exclusion from the list.

Challenging the Credibility of ESPN's Athlete Rankings

Serena Williams Ranked Above Tennis' Big Three

The placement of Serena Williams at number 2 on the list, above the "Big Three" of men's tennis, has been a source of significant controversy. Fans and experts have questioned the decision, arguing that the achievements and dominance of players like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal should have earned them higher rankings.

Djokovic's Ranking Questioned

Another point of contention is the positioning of Novak Djokovic at number 11, below Federer at number 6, despite Djokovic's superior Grand Slam title count and head-to-head record against the Swiss maestro. Djokovic's 24 Grand Slam titles, compared to Federer's 20, and his 27-23 lead in their head-to-head matchups, have led many to believe that the Serbian should have been ranked higher.

Mardy Fish's Snarky Response

The former American pro, Mardy Fish, has also weighed in on the controversy, taking to Twitter to express his dissatisfaction with the list. Fish, who had a career-high ranking of 7, seemingly questioned his own exclusion from the rankings, posting a snarky comment that read, "Fish #101??". This reaction suggests that Fish believes he should have been included in the top 100 athletes of the 21st century, despite his relatively modest achievements compared to the tennis legends featured on the list.

Examining Fish's Record Against the Top Players

However, a closer examination of Mardy Fish's record against the top players on the list casts doubt on his claim to be among the greatest athletes of the 21st century. While he has won one match each against Federer and Nadal in their nine encounters, he has failed to win any of the seven matches he has played against Djokovic. Additionally, his head-to-head record against Andy Murray stands at 4-5, further undermining his case for inclusion on the prestigious list.

Federer's Dominance Acknowledged by Fish

Despite his snarky response, Mardy Fish has previously acknowledged the dominance of Roger Federer, admitting that he was "proved wrong" about the Swiss legend's greatness. In a tweet following Federer's retirement announcement, Fish recalled his initial dismissal of Federer's abilities, only to be "crushed" when the two faced each other at Wimbledon in 2003.

The Ongoing Debate and Potential for More Voices to Join

As the debate surrounding ESPN's top 100 athletes list continues, it remains to be seen whether more voices like Mardy Fish's will emerge within the tennis community, expressing their disagreement with the rankings and the perceived injustices. The controversy has sparked a lively discussion, and the tennis world eagerly awaits to see if the debate will intensify or if the list will be accepted, despite the lingering questions and concerns.