Serbian star Novak Djokovic is one of the best tennis players in modern times. Djokovic has taken the sport to greater heights, even though he is a polarizing figure within the fraternity. However, his contribution is undeniable, and even chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen agrees. Magnus made an interesting revelation about Djokovic, stating when the Serb became the GOAT in his eyes.
Novak has been at the heart of several controversies over the years, none bigger than the COVID-19 scandal in 2022. Since Djokovic was unvaccinated at the time, the Australian government deported him. It led to a massive outcry at the time, as several fans thought it was harsh. Others, including reputable journalists, sided with the decision.
With Djokovic out of the tournament, Rafael Nadal went on to clinch the title. The Serb endured a lot of brickbats for choosing to forego the decision. Novak chose to skip the North American hardcourt swing for this reason as well.
In a recent interview, Magnus revealed that Djokovic became the greatest player of all time in his eyes after this incident. “It was after the Australian Open thing that he became the greatest for me,” he said (via Tennis Up To Date).
Djokovic finally opened up about the saga recently, making his views known once and for all. This year, Novak returned to Melbourne Park and won the silverware for a record tenth time. Djokovic equaled Nadal’s record of 22 Grand Slams with this victory.
Nadal is set to return to the courts next season after a long injury layoff. It is a testament to his fighting spirit, and fans are looking forward to the two greats locking horns again.
Magnus Carlsen reveals the player he connects with
Nadal is a champion on and off the court, and his tenacity has seen him rise to the top. The Spaniard’s strength of will is one of the reasons he will grace the courts again after a major injury. It is tough to break Rafa, and it is one of the reasons the chess grandmaster feels a connection with him.
Carlsen had previously expressed that he has an affinity for Nadal. Magnus added that Nadal is tenacious and hard to break down, and the Spaniard inspired him greatly.
“Generally, I admire what people do rather than the people themselves. But I think Rafa Nadal in tennis has a style that inspired me a little bit. Being extremely tenacious & hard to break down. So maybe him.”
~ Magnus Carlsen
When asked for his sporting heroes.@RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/rCOgOaNcJN
— Madel Suravilla (@madel_suravilla) August 27, 2023
Magnus Carlsen has been compared to the likes of sporting greats like Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan. However, he prefers to be compared with Rafa. “If there was a comparison with a great sport, I have always said that I prefer to be compared with the Spanish Rafa Nadal,” he said.
Magnus Carlsen has chosen two of the best tennis players in modern times. Rafael will be seen at the Brisbane International, his first tournament in a year. Novak will play in the Riyadh Tennis Cup before heading to Australia.