Saying it is unattainable to match eras, Novak Djokovic has humbly declined to declare himself the tennis GOAT.
His numbers might present in any other case, however the tremendous Serb is blissful sufficient simply to be recognised among the many legends of the sport, not essentially THE best of all time following his record-equalling twenty second grand slam singles triumph on Sunday night time.
“No, no, look, first I have to say that, I am so honoured and privileged to be in this discussion, first,” Djokovic stated after snaring his tenth Australian Open crown at Melbourne Park.
“Second, I truly honour and admire the history and all the greats that paved the way for all of us to be here where we are. I feel like it’s difficult to have a conversation about this because every generation is different.
“You know, 30, 40 years in the past you performed three out of 4 slams on the grass with picket racquets. Technology has superior a lot. Things have modified. Hard to match generations.
“But I feel like I gave my best really and I’m still doing that. So if the people see me as one of the greatest players to ever play the game, I’m very grateful.”
While Djokovic solely drew degree with Rafael Nadal on 22 profession majors along with his 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5) victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas on Rod Laver Arena, the 35-year-old’s followers would say he has the mighty Spaniard lined.
Already the longest-serving world No.1 in historical past, Djokovic will return to the summit on Monday for a record-extending 374th week after knocking injured Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz from his perch.
The father of two can also be the one man since Rod Laver in 1969 to carry all 4 grand slam singles titles concurrently – and the one man to attain the non-calendar-year grand slam on three completely different surfaces.
Djokovic additionally enjoys a successful head-to-head document over Nadal (30-29) and the opposite GOAT contender Roger Federer (27-23) and owns probably the most Masters 1000 titles.
And he isn’t completed but.
“I feel game-wise physically I still can sustain and maintain the top level,” he stated earlier than Sunday night time’s closing.
“So as long as that’s the case, why not keep going?
“I do not know when the tip goes to occur by way of skilled profession.
“Right now I have the motivation, I have support of the close ones, which is also something that is probably underestimated and not maybe talked about a lot, but it’s a key, especially as a father.
“Being absent from the kids just isn’t one thing that makes me very blissful. It’s a balancing act between me and my spouse and the shut folks in my life.
“So her being there for our children and everything, it allows me to be able to do what I love and still make some strides, significant strides, in this sport.
“Of course, I’ve skilled objectives and ambitions. Those are grand slams and being No.1 on the planet.
“Those two probably pinnacles of the professional tennis world have always been there as goals for me.
“So I do wish to make extra historical past of this sport, little doubt.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
