With victory over Casper Ruud at Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic elevated himself above any other male player in history. He won his 23rd Grand Slam title, taking him one clear of Rafael Nadal and three clear of Roger Federer. And he isn’t done yet.
This summer, should he win at Wimbledon, he will equal Margaret Court’s all-time record in the sport. His relentless desire to win has already seen him do the seemingly unthinkable in overhauling Federer and Nadal and now, with the Swiss ace already retired and the great Spaniard planning to join him in 2024, Djokovic is left as the sole survivor of the big three.
His longevity and lack of injuries has meant he is always in contention for the major titles, but to prioritise that as the reason for his success would be disrespectful to his remarkable qualities. Djokovic has the greatest mental strength in tennis and arguably the greatest across all sports. To be able to come back time and time again in such a gruelling sport, and keep his composure to ensure his quality shines through is seriously impressive.
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If Nadal is the King of Clay, having won 14 of his 22 major titles in Paris, then Djokovic is the King of Tennis. With victory at the French he achieved something no other male player in history has. He’s won at least three majors on each different surface, and joins only Court, Steffi Graf and Serena Williams as icons that have completed that achievement.
Nadal’s dominance on clay was incredible. I’m not sure we will see anything like it ever again. Meanwhile, Federer was as smooth as silk on grass as he won eight titles at Wimbledon. Djokovic doesn’t really care what’s under his feet. He’ll win the first Grand Slam on the moon once Elon Musk sorts out his space programme.
Sure, he may prefer the hard stuff, having won ten times in Australia, but with seven wins on the green green grass of Wimbledon, he’s hardly a one-trick pony. With victory at Wimbledon, a tournament that Betfred have priced him at 4/5 to win, Djokovic will staggeringly match Federer’s total number of successes at SW19.
The Serbian is spearheading this new era of tennis, after his fellow greats have fallen by the wayside. In his younger years, it seemed like he would never be able to match them but, at 36, he has now surpassed them. And where does it stop? Unlike Nadal, Federer and Murray, his mid 30s haven’t signalled the end. He isn’t slowing down. His body isn’t breaking down as Murray’s in particular has over the last half decade.
His lack of injuries throughout his career has meant his body has stayed in tip-top condition and his preparation has meant physically he doesn’t look like dropping off as he approaches 40. At some point Father Time will catch up with him, but for 15 years his physical attributes have been able to match his mental ones.
He’s a once in a lifetime athlete with a once in a lifetime mentality. That unique combination has made him the greatest. 23 not out, and he isn’t done yet.
*18+ | BeGambleAware
