Actually the best tennis player ever irrespective of gender. Yes, Rod Laver was # 1 but he stopped playing in 1969. So I can't say much about him coz haven't seen him playing. In this case u have to pay much attention and respect to what former greats like John Mcenroe says - " this was the best final ever".

Much as I never saw Pele play but saw Maradona. Never saw Bradman bat in 1930s and 40s but saw Viv Richards and Brian Lara bat.