Federer and Nadal are two of the most prominent names that come up while discussing the matter of who the greatest tennis player of all time is, much like Kohli and Smith are when it comes to contemporary cricket.

De Villiers admitted that it’s difficult picking one over the other, but did point to certain attributes that stand out better in each player. “It’s a difficult one, but Virat is definitely the more natural ball-striker, there’s no doubt about that,” de Villiers said. “In tennis terms, I’d say he’s more like a [Roger] Federer, whereas Smith is like a [Rafael] Nadal.

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“Smith is mentally very strong and figures out a way of scoring runs. He doesn’t look natural, but he ends up writing records and doing amazing things at the crease. I think, mentally, Smith is one of the best I have ever seen. Virat has also scored runs all over the world and won games under pressure.”

Likewise, asked to compare Kohli and Tendulkar, de Villiers did not pick names and instead offered what he thought were the greatest strengths each player possessed.

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“Sachin is a role model for both of us. The way he stood out in his era, the things he achieved, and with the grace he did all that is a great example for everyone,” de Villiers said. “And I think Virat will also say that he set the standards for us to follow.

“But, personally, in a chase, I’d say Virat is the best I’ve seen in my life. Sachin was amazing in all formats and all situations, but Virat comes out on top while chasing.”