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INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 16: L-R Novak Djokovic and Pete Sampras chat after their exhibition doubles match on day thirteen of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 16, 2019 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 16: L-R Novak Djokovic and Pete Sampras chat after their exhibition doubles match on day thirteen of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 16, 2019 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Novak Djokovic has truly exhibited his top level game in the year 2021. Winning three of the four Major Slams and ending the year as World No. 1 for the 7th time is a remarkable achievement. Just recently, after his opener at ATP Finals, Djokovic was awarded the prestigious year-end World No.1 trophy.
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In the interview, Djokovic mentioned about the inspiration he received from the tennis legend, Pete Sampras. Sampras held the record before Nole and, reacting to his achievement, Pete applauded the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
Surpassing the achievements of your childhood idol.
A dream come true for @DjokerNole 💫 pic.twitter.com/l73ZJC0Jta
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 15, 2021
Pete Sampras calls Novak Djokovic the greatest of all time
Just after lifting the ATP’s year-end World No. 1 trophy, Novak Djokovic said he considered Pete Sampras as his childhood role model. According to him, surpassing Sampras’s record was a surreal moment for him.
In an interview with, Sampras said, “I do think what Novak’s done over the past 10 years, winning the Majors, being consistent, finishing No.1 for seven years, to me it’s clear sign that he is the greatest of all time.”
The American further talked about the dominance Djokovic prevailed over the two finest players, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. “But I think he’ll appreciate it more as he gets older. He did it at a time where he dominated two of the greats, in Roger and Rafa, and he handled the next generation of players very well – all at the same time“, Pete said.
Sampras has given his take on the GOAT debate, and the numbers certainly seem to back up his claim.
Sampras says Djokovic is always learning
Furthermore, Pete Sampras talked about Novak Djokovic’s willingness to learn from his mistakes. Sampras added, “He’s willing to change, he’s willing to learn about himself. He’s always looking to get better.”
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Tennis – ATP Finals – Pala Alpitour, Turin, Italy – November 15, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic poses as he celebrates with the trophy for his 2021 world number one ranking after winning his group stage match against Norway’s Casper Ruud REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
The former World No. 1 certainly didn’t hold back on his praise for Djokovic. After his incredible 2021 season, it’s difficult to argue he doesn’t deserve it.
For now, Nole will be hoping to emerge victorious at the ATP Finals and match yet another Roger Federer record (of 6 Finals wins).
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