The ‘GOAT’ debate over the greatest male tennis player of all time has settled with Novak Djokovic winning the US Open 2023, which brought his Grand Slam tally to 24, his closest being the currently injured, Rafael Nadal, who might only play one more season at 22, and retired Roger Federer at 20.
Yet, a more significant question lingers- Could Djokovic be considered the greatest sportsman ever? Djokovic humbly deferred this question, following his triumph at the US Open in New York saying, “I leave that to you guys and all the others, whether I deserve to be a part of that debate.”
I’ll restate again:
Djokovic not only just the greatest tennis player ever, but the greatest athlete ever.
The combination of technique, physicality, athleticism, endurance, mental toughness, tactical brilliance and longevity in its own class.
— The Big Three (@Big3Tennis) September 11, 2023
Nonetheless, he emphasized that his Serbian background may have influenced the recognition of his sporting greatness, especially in Western countries. He went on to express his belief that his Serbian nationality may have delayed the recognition of his achievements. He stated, “One thing is a fact, though – if I wasn’t from Serbia, I’d have been glorified on a sporting level many years ago, especially in the West.”
#Djokovic: If I wasn’t from Serbia, I’d have been glorified on a sporting level many years ago, especially in the west. But that’s part of my journey, I am proud to come from Serbia – all of these accomplishments are sweeter and even more fulfilling.” https://t.co/nPBWCPAZnW
— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) September 11, 2023
Djokovic’s journey to success is closely tied to his upbringing and the challenges he faced. He frequently acknowledges his humble beginnings, growing up in war-torn Serbia with no tennis tradition, and facing economic hardships and embargoes. In his press conference, Djokovic reiterated the significance of his background.
He stated, “…for someone coming from a family with no tennis tradition, for a boy in Serbia going through sanctions…embargo, being part of the very expensive and unaffordable, inaccessible sport.” His recent statement sheds light on the impact of nationality on an athlete’s recognition and success, sparking discussions about the broader context of sports achievement.
Novak Djokovic achieves monumental feats in winning US Open 2023
Novak Djokovic, in a truly awe-inspiring fashion, has etched his name into the annals of tennis history yet again. His victory in the 2023 US Open final, where he triumphed over Daniil Medvedev, marked his 24th Grand Slam title. In doing so, he equaled a remarkable record that had been held by Australian tennis legend Margaret Court for an astounding 50 years.
HE KEEPS ON MAKING HISTORY.@djokernole equals Margaret Court’s record for most Grand Slam singles titles in tennis history.@usopen | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/A0iIhJfniU
— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 10, 2023
Djokovic has also achieved another incredible milestone by becoming the oldest champion in the men’s singles at the US Open, surpassing Ken Rosewall’s record set at 35 years and 315 days in 1970. Furthermore, he has become the first tennis player to win three Grand Slam titles in a single year on four different occasions.
Novak Djokovic has now won three Grand Slams in a year four times 😤
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2023
But Djokovic’s historic journey doesn’t end there. He also matches the longest gap between US Open titles, having won his first in 2011 by defeating Rafael Nadal and his fourth in 2023, precisely 12 years later, a feat that puts him in the elite company of Pete Sampras, who achieved a similar feat in 1990 and 2002.
Novak Djokovic’s remarkable career continues to redefine the boundaries of tennis excellence, and his latest achievements only serve as a testimony of being the greatest athlete of all time not just in tennis, but in the entire sporting domain!