In the wake of a record-extending season, Novak Djokovic has been receiving praise from all corners of the sporting world. The 24-time grand slam champion broke a slew of records this year as he surged to the world no.1 position with ferocity.
When those praises come from close corners of the Serb’s circle, it adds an extra layer of warmth and nuance to its words. When a former coach delivered high praise to Novak by comparing him with legends from the sporting world, the 36-year-old was chuffed to bits.
Boris Becker claims Novak Djokovic is a world-class athlete
Novak Djokovic famously partnered with Boris Becker as a player-coach team from 2013 to 2016, where Becker led Novak to six grand slam titles and numerous major crowns. He also saw the rise of Novak Djokovic to the world no. 1 position after he surrendered it to Roger Federer.
Boris is currently the coach of Holger Rune and took time out to share some words of praise for Djokovic in an interview.
“Not only is he the best tennis player, he is the best sportsman. I want to compare him with Tom Brady, Lebron James and Lionel Messi. All these athletes dominated in their mid-thirties,” Becker said.
Boris Becker compared Novak Djokovic to some of the greatest athletes of all time in paying tribute to his late-career dominance.
— Eurosport (@eurosport) November 24, 2023
Becker’s comments are not to be taken lightly, as seen by Djokovic’s incredible success in 2023. Even at the age of 36, when fellow ‘Big 3’ players Federer and Nadal have either retired or are struggling with injury, the US Open champion is going steadfast and strong in demolishing opponents 15 years younger than him.
Novak has had an incredible end to the season, where he has won the Paris Masters and Nitto ATP Finals titles in succession. He also foresaw Serbia’s progression to the semifinal in the Davis Cup. Several notable personalities have showered applause on him including one famous tennis player who has had his feuds with Novak over the years.
Nick Kyrgios also praised Novak Djokovic
Nick Kyrgios was part of Tennis TV’s official coverage of the Nitto ATP Finals where he witnessed Novak Djokovic race to a title win by defeating and exacting revenge on Jannik Sinner.
“Novak Djokovic is the best player to ever touch a racket. The best player to ever walk the Earth,” Kyrgios proclaimed on live television.
Nick Kyrgios: “Novak Djokovic is the best player to ever touch a racket. The best player to ever walk the Earth.” @DjokerNole 🙌 pic.twitter.com/1cFo4PlqxV
— Shane Gupta (@Shanegupta22) November 24, 2023
Nick and Novak have had an entertaining relationship that has turned from being feudal to becoming a blossoming friendship.
“I just feel like he[Novak] has a sick obsession, wanting to be liked,” Kyrgios said in 2019.
That feeling escalated further during the following years but Kyrgios simmered down and changed opinions when Novak was evicted from Australia for being unvaccinated from Covid-19.
The pair met later at the 2022 Wimbledon Final, with Kyrgios texting Novak before the match. He later called their relationship a “bromance” during his post-match speech.
Novak also shared a laugh when he commented on Nick Kyrgios in an interview.
“I would love to coach Nick Kyrgios. He would win five Slams with me, but it would not come cheap,” Novak quipped with a smile.
What are your opinions on Boris Becker and Nick Kyrgios’ declarations on Novak Djokovic being the greatest ever tennis player? Let us know in the comments section below.
