Novak Djokovic responds when asked who he thinks the greatest tennis player of all time really is
After all, once you reach a certain legendary level in this sport, the lines become blurred.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal both have their respective fanbases who would argue their case, and beyond that, there are even more stars, including Serena Williams, who others would justifiably lobby for as well.
Seldom do these superstars actually get involved in such minor debates, but on this occasion, Novak Djokovic offered a response of sorts.
Novak Djokovic finally weighs in on the tennis GOAT debate
Speaking to Sportal.blic, ahead of the Six Kings Slam which gets underway later today, Djokovic was quizzed on all things tennis.
Whether it be how he first burst onto the scene, how he rose to its pinnacle or what he plans to do after, he covered it all, and those discussions led to one infamous debate.
Who he thinks the best tennis player of all time is.
Finally asked that coveted question, he responded: ‘I think it became important and present only about five to seven years ago. If arguing about who is the GOAT is something that people who follow tennis are really interested in, I’m all for it. And I like it. I won’t say what I think about it and who the GOAT is. I leave that to the people to discuss.
‘I have to show respect to the earlier generations, tennis as a sport has developed and progressed a lot, even the racket itself has changed and that is why it is very difficult to say. People like to debate how someone like Bjorn Borg or Rod Laver or John McEnroe would play today, or me, or anyone else.
Novak Djokovic remains as humble and gracious as ever
It is no surprise to see Djokovic so humble in the face of such a hot topic, and one that seemingly everyone has an opinion on.
Especially when, given all he has won across his legendary career, few would be able to argue if he said himself.
However, his reluctance to get dragged into such debates only adds to his legacy, as a gracious and magnanimous superstar in the face of victory and defeat.
His recent loss in the Shanghai Masters final to Jannik Sinner perfectly exemplified this, as the Serbian was effusive in his praise for the Italian.
Djokovic admitted Sinner was better than him in the final, pulling no punches.
Revered tennis journalist Jon Wertheim perhaps put it best, writing on X: ‘Granted when you have won 24 Majors and are 37 y/o, you’re playing with house money….but this guy’s consistent graciousness in defeat will be one of the takeaways from his career ….’.
