Novak Djokovic has spent in an amazing way 428 week at the top of the world tennis rankings amassing an almost impossible record to break. 24 Grand Slam titles since turning pro 2003. IN 21 years, Novak has risen to amass immortality in the great sport of tennis. So why doesn’t anyone like it? And, should disliking the man diminish his chances of better knowing the game?
Of course, ‘nobody’ is an exaggeration, and plenty of tennis fans around the world love Djokovic, unless you’re from London. However, Djokovic seems to get a lot of vitriol and, for lack of a better partnership term, hate.
For the better part of two decades and stretching into the future, Djokovic’s career has been and will be intertwined with the sensational careers of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. For a time, Federer was hailed as the greatest to ever play. But Nadal went on to win every French Open Major and others until he eventually surpassed Federer’s 20 degree with 22 his. Nadal then became the greatest to ever play for many. Now, bragging 24 big to his name, Novak is undisputed in accolades and accomplishments. However, this is not undisputed in the sentiment or opinion of the fans.
Many dismiss Djokovic as the greatest tennis player ever because they simply don’t like him or his style of play. This train of thought is irrational, illogical and short sighted. He is a legend but he plays a boring game. He is a tremendous athlete, but lacks flash. He’s a relentless champion, but he doesn’t provide entertainment. He is the perfect competitor, a winner if ever there was one, but he may not be the greatest of all – the greatest of all time. Why? Well, I just don’t like him. Like I said – irrational, illogical and short sighted.
The great heights of his achievements – achievements that have now surpassed every tennis legend or “almost” goat we have seen His 24 The Grand Slam titles speak for themselves – a number that can never be touched – and his absolute dominance over time should be the defining factor in this debate. His combined record of 57–52 on Federer and Nadal adds a further compelling piece to the conversation. Remember, it was supposed to be Roger vs. Rafa for the next twenty years in between-2000s-we couldn’t wait. Then, suddenly, Novak burst onto the scene and shattered that dream. We were still graced with the Fed/Rafa rivalry; it’s just that Novak wanted in, got in, and ran with it, lock, stock, and barrel.
To introduce a personal adage, I have always considered Roger Federer the best ever. His playing was beautiful and elegant – so smooth and so calm. I think this even today. However, I will not argue with the person who holds the same sediments to Djokovic’s greatness and dominance. I cannot argue; on what foundation should I stand? Djokovic has everything and more than Federer or Nadal.
Having recently played in the Wimbledon finals, although not against Carlos Alcaraz, it is clear that Djokovic can still compete at the highest levels (proven at the last Olympic games). It should come as no surprise if he wins at Flushing Meadows in September, possibly beating Alcaraz this time. Novak’s winning ways may not be over yet.
Perhaps Djokovic’s reputation with tennis fans and fanatics was never designed to be anything other than what it is – vetoed from the start, given the love and admiration shown to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal throughout the years. However, looking through the proverbial glass into his personal trophy case, Djokovic has to be considered the greatest to ever play tennis. He has more than earned it, like him or not.
