Novak Djokovic, the 2023 French Open champion and holder of a record-breaking 23 Grand Slam titles, responded thoughtfully to a question about being considered the greatest male player in tennis history. Djokovic’s victory at the French Open secured his place as the all-time leader in Grand Slam titles, surpassing his rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
When asked about the “Greatest of All-Time” debate, Djokovic expressed his reluctance to claim the title for himself out of respect for past champions who played the sport in different eras. He acknowledged the greatness of champions from various generations and their significant contributions that paved the way for today’s players.
Djokovic continued by stating that he prefers to leave discussions about the greatest player to others. While he has confidence in his abilities and achievements, he believes it would be more appropriate for someone else to make that judgment. He emphasized his belief in himself and his capabilities, considering the trophy as further validation of the quality of tennis he can produce.
The Serbian player emphasized the importance of the four major tournaments, the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, stating that they are his biggest priorities each season. He highlighted the significance of winning these prestigious events and their position on his checklist, particularly at this stage of his career.
Djokovic also discussed his struggles during the clay-court season leading up to the French Open, acknowledging the differences in his performance when playing best-of-five-set matches at Grand Slam events. He spoke about the pressure and expectations he faces before tournaments, as well as the satisfaction, relief, pride, and fulfillment he experiences when he emerges victorious.
Looking towards the future, Djokovic hinted at his intention to continue adding to his trophy collection. He expressed his motivation and inspiration to play his best tennis at the Grand Slam tournaments, considering them the most significant in the history of the sport. Despite already having a career spanning two decades, Djokovic feels motivated to keep playing and winning major championships.
In conclusion, Djokovic, who is halfway to achieving a calendar-year Grand Slam, expressed his eagerness for the upcoming Wimbledon tournament, indicating that he looks forward to the challenge. His words serve as a warning to his competitors that he remains focused and determined to further solidify his place in tennis history.
