‘Most Complete Player on the Circuit’ – Ex-Pro Shuts Down the G.O.A.T Debate as Novak Djokovic Reigns Supreme

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s Change of Heart: Why He Now Calls Novak Djokovic the Greatest of All Time

Tennis is a sport of perseverance, where legends like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have risen, broken records, and built fierce loyalties. However, when a former pro reversed his stance on the GOAT debate, it sparked intrigue. And his reasoning is compelling.

Former French ATP star Jo-Wilfried Tsonga once considered Rafael Nadal the greatest among the Big Three. In May 2021, he cited the Spaniard’s achievements, emphasizing that, being five years younger than Federer but already holding a comparable number of Grand Slam titles, Nadal was the most likely to secure the ultimate throne. However, as Novak Djokovic surpassed both Federer and Nadal by clinching his 23rd Major at the 2023 Australian Open, Tsonga’s perspective shifted.

Tsonga’s Bold New Verdict on Djokovic

In a recent interview, Tsonga declared Djokovic as the undisputed GOAT, stating:

“The best of all time is Novak Djokovic. And I think he can win 25, 26, 27, and maybe even 28 Grand Slam tournaments. You never know.”

A former 18-time ATP singles champion, Tsonga also openly hailed himself as a Djokovic fan, explaining:

“I’ve been with him for many years. I think Djokovic is the most complete player on the circuit. He has the most weapons and has shown once again that the level he has reached has not yet been reached.”

Tsonga’s Rivalry With the Big Three

Tsonga remains a rare player to have defeated all three legends in Grand Slam tournaments. His notable victories include:

• Against Federer: Defeated him six times in 18 matches, including the 2011 Wimbledon quarterfinals and 2009 ATP Masters 1000 Canada.
• Against Nadal: Held a 4-10 head-to-head record, with his first win against Nadal coming in the 2008 Australian Open semifinals.
• Against Djokovic: Though Djokovic led their rivalry 17-6, Tsonga defeated him in significant matches, including the 2008 Bangkok Open final and the 2010 Australian Open quarterfinals.

Tsonga’s Perspective on Djokovic’s Unpopularity

Following his retirement at Roland Garros 2022, Tsonga made an appearance on the Generation Do It Yourself podcast in December 2023. There, he discussed Djokovic’s polarizing reputation, revealing insights about his personal journey and identity struggles:

“He wanted to be Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal when maybe he should have been himself all along. I think today he’s himself. And even though it’s divisive, I think that’s why he’s appreciated by a lot of people. Because now he’s completely honest.”

Tsonga further emphasized Djokovic’s gritty Serbian roots, explaining:

“He wanted to get out of this image of a warrior because he is a Serb who went through difficult things in his childhood. But he is a warrior—he should have assumed it from the beginning. I think he would have been liked for that.”

Can Djokovic Add to His Legacy?

At 37 years old, Djokovic continues to be a dominant force. Despite an early exit at the 2024 Australian Open, he remains a strong contender for future Grand Slam victories. With his first Olympic gold still on the horizon, Tsonga’s admiration for the Serbian great is well-founded.

Do you agree with Tsonga? Will Djokovic add another Major to his collection? Share your thoughts!