Sitting on a throne is tougher than winning one. Despite, all the success he has achieved in his career a Swedish former number one in tennis reveals why he never felt like the number one. Mats Wilander retired from tennis in 1996 but 6 years of his retirement, he made a comeback. His return was a big success as he won a tournament in Toulouse. There aren’t many who have achieved this feat, but still, he never felt like Novak Djokovic. Why?

Djokovic is the current number one in the sport with 24 Grand Slam titles in his bag. The Serb now eyes for his 25th and many more. To enjoy the throne, you have to climb a little higher than the highest, and Nole knows that very well. The 59-year-old Swedish player has won 7 major singles titles and 1 major men’s doubles title in his career, but was it enough for Wilander to relish the luxury at the top?

The former number one draws a comparison with the current number one, Novak Djokovic

Mats Wilander is one of the most respected individuals in the tennis world. He has won major titles across all courts (clay, hard, and grass). Wilander has achieved success very early in his career. The Swede had won his first Grand Slam title at 17 in the French Open. But even after so much success, he feels that he never had the luxury to feel like the current world number one. Here’s what Wilander said on Andy Zodin’s- Kick Serve Radio podcast.

“I never really though had enough time at number one and didn’t win anything as the number one in the world to really feel like to be Novak Djokovic, where you’re you’re winning everything and you-You are number one, and you feel like number one and I think that was the difference.”

Trending

After Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek’s Cold Shoulder, Fans Turn Against Coco Gauff as She Fails to Justify Her WTA Rankings

May 09, 2024 11:22 AM EDT

10 Years After Backing Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian’s Now $10 Billion Undertaking, Snoop Dogg Receives a Heartfelt Note

May 06, 2024 11:05 AM EDT

Serena Williams Drools Over Sister Venus’ Met Gala Behind the Scenes Glam With an Endearing 2-Word Message

May 08, 2024 11:05 AM EDT

‘She Was Hot’- Camila Giorgi’s Shock Tennis Retirement Prompts American Legend to Pay Heart-Felt Tribute to Her Legacy

May 09, 2024 05:59 PM EDT

Italian Open: Naomi Osaka Mocks Herself in Praise of New-Age Stars Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka as She Unveils Tennis Wish

May 09, 2024 07:21 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“I felt like number one while I had that year, but not at all after when I went to the Australian Open in 89 and I was seeded one which is the only time I was seeded one in the Grand Slam. Which obviously was a huge honor. I didn’t feel like number one in the world at all I dropped off.” he said.

The 59-year-old tennis legend feels that he could’ve achieved much more to enjoy the bird’s-eye view from the summit. Sadly, according to him, it didn’t happen as much as he would’ve liked it. So, fans must be wondering is there a third comeback on cards?

‘Complete Clown Show’ – American Star Frances Tiafoe Faces the Wrath of Tennis Fans as an ‘Unacceptable’ Japan Open Exit Calls for a Reality Check

Wilander refrains to call Djokovic as the G.O.A.T

Mats Wilander prefers to call the current number one as B.O.A.T (Best Of All Time) than calling him as the Greatest Of All Time. Why? What’s the logic behind this? Well, the tennis icon from Sweden believes being the greatest involves something way more than just on-court achievements. So, he would rather put Djokovic on the B.O.A.T list purely on his merits and achievements he has got throughout his career.

It may sound strange to Djoker’s fans. But whenever a compliment comes from a horse’s mouth and when the horse is an experienced one, you got to respect & accept that. However, if you disagree, do not forget to share your opinions in the comment box.

Watch This Story | ‘Little Mermaid’ Olympia’s Wish Proves Way Too Difficult for Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian to Ignore