Novak Djokovic says he will leave the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) discussion for someone else after winning his 23rd Grand Slam at the French Open, while also revealing Wimbledon will be his only grass-court appearance this summer.
Since claiming his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in 2008, Djokovic has been pursuing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal through the history books, but he has surpassed both having broken the record he jointly held with Nadal by claiming his 23rd trophy at the French Open.
Djokovic’s victory over Casper Ruud draws him level with Serena Williams, and he could equal Margaret Court’s all-time singles mark at Wimbledon next month.
It is now all but impossible to make the case for anyone other than Djokovic being the greatest male player of all time, and having won six of the last eight major tournaments he has played, at 36 he is more dominant than ever.
“I don’t want to say that I am the greatest because I feel it’s disrespectful towards all the great champions in different eras of our sport that was played in a completely different way than it is played [on Sunday].
“So I leave those kind of discussions of who is the greatest to someone else. I have, of course, huge faith and confidence and belief in myself and for everything that I am and who I am and what I am capable of doing.
“I feel incredibly proud, fulfilled. Of course the journey is still not over. I feel, if I’m winning slams, why even think about ending the career that already has been going on for 20 years?
Djokovic arrived in Paris without a title on clay this season, but once again has showed that probably his biggest strength is being able to peak when it really matters.
Djokovic’s coach, Goran Ivanisevic, has seen it all before. The former Wimbledon champion said: “He has this software in his head that he can switch when a Grand Slam comes.
“Grand Slam is a different sport comparing to other tournaments. The day we arrived here, he was better, he was more motivated, and he was hungrier.” — Sky Sports