Novak Djokovic has won plaudits from various circles of life. From commentators to experts and fans to family, several people have appreciated the legacy Novak has created through his record-extending career.
However, none would seemingly matter more to the Serbian than an acknowledgement of support from his fellow competitors, who have witnessed his prowess from up close. Now, a retired former top-ten player has commented on the 36-year-old’s game, calling him a legend and foreseeing a successful future for him.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s bold GOAT statement on Novak Djokovic
The debate over who the GOAT of tennis is never ceases to amaze fans, as aspects of a player’s profile from the number of grand slams won and statistical superiority to his skillset and popularity with fans all play a vital role in determining the candidate.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, a former world no.5 and Australian Open finalist, has his take on the discussion and has named Novak Djokovic as the greatest of all time in tennis. Tsonga was clearly in awe of the Serbian’s record 24 grand slam titles won and expected him to dominate the ATP circuit for many more years to come.
Novak Djokovic will enjoy this declaration coming from Tsonga, who along with Tomas Berdych and Stan Wawrinka are the only three players to defeat the Big 4 of tennis in major grand slams.
Tsonga’s assurance of the Serbian playing for many more years to come is at odds with Novak’s own family’s expectation of him. However, Novak Djokovic likes to deal his cards by himself when it comes to his retirement and based on his comments, that day is far from now.
Novak Djokovic has no immediate plans to retire
Novak Djokovic revealed he had no plans to retire from tennis and offered a “big inspiration” as the reason behind his continuance in the sport.
Of course, the inspiration he is referring to is records. Fresh from winning his 24th grand slam at the US Open and reclaiming his world no.1 ranking from Carlos Alcaraz, Novak is eyeing a spectacular end to the season by winning a record seventh Nitto ATP Finals title.
In an interview with ATP media, Novak made it clear that the burning desire to break records repeatedly was his biggest motivation and that hanging his boots would be sidelined as long as the fire burned in him to win grand slams.
“I also love competing. That’s my greatest motivation really, because I’ve made and broken a lot of records and it’s great,” he said.
“But even if I leave professional tennis now and reflect on everything I’ve done, I can be extremely satisfied. So I don’t have pressure but I still have the desire and level.”
“I’m playing at a very high level, so records are there obviously as a huge inspiration and history of the sport. I still want to create my own history and history of tennis and see how far I can go,” he added.
Novak will play in the Nitto ATP Finals where if he holds on to his No.1 ranking, then he will reach the 400-week milestone in terms of most weeks at the top.
What are your opinions on Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s comments on Djokovic being the GOAT? Let us know in the comments section below.
