Rafael Nadal's uncle Toni believes Roger Federer deserves to be considered 'greatest' player of all time

Spanish tennis ace Rafael Nadal's uncle and life-long coach Toni Nadal believes that 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer and not his 14-time Grand Slam champion nephew deserves to be considered the greatest tennis player of all time.

Federer holds the record for grand slam titles with 17, adding his first Davis Cup title last weekend to his list of achievements. Toni said that Federer is the best of all time, adding that the numbers say so.

Toni also said that Federer is the best in the history of the game alongside Rod Laver and, unfortunately for them, it is like that, Stuff.co.nz reported.

However, Rafael has consistently had the upper hand on the world number two throughout their illustrious careers. The Spaniard holds a 23-10 record over Federer and hasn't lost to him in a grand slam since the 2007 Wimbledon final.

Toni said that he doesn't know why that is, adding that Federer's game doesn't affect Rafael as much. He said that in any case, one is the best for the titles they win.

Toni said that Federer has won 17 grand slams, Rafael has won 14, adding that the Swiss was number one for five years, while Rafael was for three. Therefore, he added that there is no discussion; Federer is the best.