The legends of tennis have certainly earned their tributes. Each player showcased their talent on the surfaces they mastered. Roger Federer, who retired two years ago, is still celebrated for his 20 Grand Slam titles, eight out of which came at Wimbledon. His arch rival Rafael Nadal won 14 at Rland Garros, while Djokovic won 10 at the Australian Open. So, what kind of tribute is fitting for these players who dominated their courts?

Statues have long been a part of tennis history, honoring the sport’s greatest legends. The Arthur Ashe statue stands proudly on Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia, celebrating his groundbreaking achievements. At the Australian Open, a statue of Rod Laver was unveiled in 2017, commemorating his incredible career. Most recently, in May 2021, a statue of Rafael Nadal was unveiled at Roland Garros, recognizing his dominance on clay courts. These tributes reflect the lasting impact these players have made on the game.

On Thursday, an X user sparked a debate about giving Federer a proper tribute for his eight Wimbledon titles. They asked, “Does Roger Federer deserve a statue at Wimbledon?” Not only did the Swiss maestro win the Wimbledon eight times, but he also reached the finals 12 times before retiring in 2022. However, the WTA legend, Chris Evert had a different sentiment. She responded to the tweet, saying, “What about @Martina who’s won it 9 times? 💪🏼👏🤷‍♀️”

Evert’s point seems valid, Martina Navratilova has an impressive resume, particularly in terms of what she did at Wimbledon. Tracy Austin agreed with Evert’s call for justice, noting Navratilova’s achievements at Wimbledon: “Yes! 9 singles, 7 doubles, and 4 mixed! Extraordinary! Maybe @Martina & Fed?” With a total of 18 major singles titles and 167 singles titles to her name, Navratilova’s dominance on the court is undeniable.

Meanwhile, Federer, hailed as the king of the sport, already has multiple statues and monuments dedicated to him. These include the Terracotta warrior statue in Shanghai, the world’s first Roger Federer Walk of Fame at JURA’s headquarters in Niederbuchsiten and his floating sculpture by Ugo Rondinone sold for 320,000 Francs at Art Basel.

While a statue at Wimbledon seems fitting, the debate continues whether he should receive one there or if someone else deserves it before him.

John McEnroe calls for an Andy Murray statue outside Wimbledon

Earlier in June, when Andy Murray announced his impending retirement from tennis, John McEnroe urged Wimbledon officials to commission a bronze statue of the two-time champion outside Centre Court. McEnroe, the now former Team World captain and three-time Wimbledon winner himself, believes Murray deserves this honor for his significant contributions to British tennis. The All England Club has a history of recognizing its champions, with statues honoring legends like Fred Perry and Virginia Wade.

McEnroe emphasized Marray’s impact, stating, “He’s absolutely changed the way people look at British tennis. He’s one of the greatest competitors that I’ve ever seen play tennis. It would be well deserved, and it would be awesome because two of his three Grand Slam wins were at Wimbledon, plus the Olympics.”

The Briton’s achievements are remarkable. He is the only British man to win Wimbledon in the Open Era, claiming titles in 2013 and 2016 after a 77-year drought since Fred Perry’s last victory in 1936. He also reached the finals in 2012 and had multiple semifinal appearances. His triumphs at Wimbledon and his gold medal win at the 2012 London Olympics have significantly transformed British tennis.

However, the debate over whether Murray should receive a statue has sparked discussions among fans about other tennis legends, particularly Federer. While opinions vary, it’s clear that most players have compelling stories and legacies that warrant recognition. As the conversation continues, it raises an interesting question: who truly deserves this honor? Share your thoughts in the comments below!