Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal share a common knack for being the hot topics of the tennis world. While Nadal is busy making the news for his supposed comeback from injury, Novak is gaining all sorts of traction with his record-breaking spree in tennis and his triumphs over fellow players in net-worth battles and grand slam records.
In yet another victory over Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic has emerged at the forefront of a recent survey conducted by a reputed organisation, that aims to showcase the brand value a tennis player holds as an individual.
Novak Djokovic triumphs over Rafael Nadal
If current trends hold any significance, then Novak Djokovic holds all the aces over Rafael Nadal. Whilst the Spaniard is busy recuperating at the practice courts and taking to social media to update his progress on his imminent return to the tennis circuit for one last time, Novak is defying all odds and age-related issues with a supremely successful season.
It is this recent past that was taken into consideration when Novak Djokovic was named the most marketable player in a new list. This comes after he added three grand slam titles this year to his overall tally, along with a Wimbledon finals appearance.
In fact, Rafael Nadal finds himself much lower down the list, past Emma Raducanu, Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka. It is a body blow for the 36-year-old, given that Naomi Osaka hasn’t even been playing for over a year.
In the new list compiled by SportsPro, Djokovic was named the 11th most marketable athlete of the year. Characteristics taken into consideration are the person’s brand strength, their total addressable market and their economies. The 36-year-old Novak received an overall score of 87.96, putting him ahead of fellow tennis players. Nadal came in at 41st on the overall athlete list and was the sixth most marketable tennis player with a score of 73.42.
The closest on the list to Djokovic was teenage sensation Coco Gauff, who scored 87.95 after her US Open triumph. A mere 0.1 score separated Gauff from Djokovic.
Djokovic sets new record with 24 Grand Slams
Novak Djokovic has been having a season like no other. Wins at the Australian Open and the French Open coupled with a near-win at Wimbledon saw his career rise to a new high. Records were broken at his whim, but one remained – Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 grand slam titles. The record has stood for ages, with Court having retired a long time ago.
It would have taken a title run at the US Open for Novak to equal the record and pave the way for crafting a legacy in the forthcoming years. And that dream of his was fulfilled on Monday, 11th September 2023 when the indomitable Serbian produced a masterclass performance to triumph over Daniil Medvedev in the US Open finals.
With the win he moved two past second placed Nadal’s tally of 22 grand slams in the men’s count and equalled Margaret Court’s record. He also became the oldest US Open champion and the most accomplished tennis player in the world.
The season’s grand slams may have ended but there is no doubt in fans’ minds that the Serbian will mount a tough challenge in 2024 to extend his record to an all-time high.
What are your opinions on Novak Djokovic’s new status as the most marketable tennis player? How deserved is the title based on his superhuman accomplishments? Let us know in the comments section below.
