Serbian star Novak Djokovic is undoubtedly one of the greatest tennis players of all time. In his long career, Djokovic has racked up trophies all around the world. He can boast of winning 24 Grand Slam titles, the most by any player in the Open Era. But former champion Marion Bartoli feels that Djokovic faces a lot of flak for being a Serbian.
Djokovic has been on a record-breaking spree of late. He won three of the four Grand Slams he participated in this year, his latest being the US Open. Djokovic had a score to settle with Daniil Medvedev, who had defeated the Serb in the final in 2021.
Novak was at his brutal best as he defeated Medvedev in straight sets, in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium. In doing so, Djokovic won his fourth silverware at the Flushing Meadows. He thus equaled Margaret Court’s record of 24 major titles.
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However, despite his stupendous success, Djokovic has his fair share of naysayers too. Many are of the opinion that while Novak has the most titles, he will never be as popular as Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal. Former Wimbledon champion, Marion Bartoli, attributes it to Novak being Serbian.
Bartoli stated that had Djokovic been American, he would have had a statue in every city. She further added that Novak’s nationality is not publicized as much. “Coming from a small Eastern European country, with a recent painful past, affects one’s popularity rating,” she said (via Tennis World USA).
🇫🇷🇷🇸 Marion Bartoli on Novak Djokovic:
“If he were American, he would have a statue in every city! The fact that he is Serbian means that he is not as publicised”
Source: RMCLive 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/oXLLjnM0Pl
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) September 17, 2023
Bartoli’s statement echoed Novak Djokovic’s own comment after his US Open victory. He had stated that had he been from another country, his popularity would have been different. While Novak may not be as popular or as loved as Nadal and Federer, he left them behind in the title race. Roger retired with 20 Grand Slams, while Rafa is in the twilight of his career, with 22 Grand Slams.
Can Novak Djokovic be called the GOAT?
The Serb has competed at the highest level for years now. Just this year alone, Novak has won three major Grand Slams. He was well on track to win a calendar slam but Carlos Alcaraz dashed his dreams at Wimbledon. However, it should not take away from Novak’s achievements.
Andre Agassi’s ex-coach, Darren Cahill thinks that Djokovic is the GOAT of tennis. Given the kind of form he has been in, it will not be surprising to see him win a few more slams next year.
“To win 24 Grand Slams, I mean the guy is the greatest I have ever seen, I don’t think there is any question about this anymore. To do what Novak has done and come from way behind when Rafa and Roger had a big Grand Slam total, and actually pass them on the Grand Slam total. A remarkable performance,” said Cahill, on the Advantage Connors podcast.
Novak Djokovic has had a very fruitful year. But there is no rest for a champion, as Novak participated in the Davis Cup, immediately after his US Open victory.
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