“His Health and Rafael Nadal”: Tennis Legend Reveals What Can Stop Novak Djokovic
Follow Us
As Novak Djokovic inches ever so close to yet another major record, the G.O.A.T debate is taking a new dimension. After defeating compatriot Filip Krajinovic in his first match at the ATP Vienna Open 2020, Djokovic needs just one more win to equal Pete Sampras’ record of six year-end finishes as world number one.
In light of that, American tennis legend Jim Courier believes this achievement is as important as the number of Grand Slams won. While he feels Djokovic possesses the ability to further extend his record in the years to come, Courier highlighted the only two things that can cut short the Serb’s stellar run. One of them goes by the name of Rafael Nadal.
“There are only two things that seem likely to prevent him from adding more weeks and years at number one. His health and Rafael Nadal,” Courier expressed in a recent interview. “There’s no doubt that Novak has been the dominant force in men’s tennis again this season. The numbers don’t lie.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What helps Djokovic’s claim as the ‘greatest ever’?
Nadal is Djokovic’s closest competitor in the world number one battle. Despite Djokovic’s dominance this year, Nadal had him reeling in the French Open 2020 final. If Djokovic hadn’t played in Vienna, Nadal would have again chased him for the year-end number one race in Paris.
Showtime from Serbia! 🇷🇸👏@DjokerNole | Filip Krajinovic | @ErsteBankOpen pic.twitter.com/S2CkRmDPz9
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 27, 2020
Another feat Courier holds in high regard is the total number of weeks as the top-ranked player. And that is another record Djokovic is a favorite to break, even though he is behind Roger Federer and Nadal in terms of Grand Slams won.
Trending
What Does Danielle Collins’ Boyfriend Do? Everything to Know about Their Lowkey Relationship
February 15, 2024 11:39 AM EST
‘I’m Sick of That’ – Danielle Collins Gets Defensive at the Mere Mention of Her Parents’ Absence at Miami Open
March 27, 2024 05:03 PM EDT
Miami Open 2024: Prize Money Breakdown, Winner’s Pay-check, and More
March 20, 2024 07:58 AM EDT
Miami Open: Hawk-Eye Baffles Victoria Azarenka as She Reacts in Shock to Elena Rybakina’s Sheer Luck
March 28, 2024 09:43 PM EDT
Miami Open 2024: Daniil Medvedev vs Jannik Sinner; Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction
March 29, 2024 11:01 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“When evaluating the all-time greats, there can be a tendency to overvalue singles majors won,” Courier said. “Weeks at number one, as well as year-end number one finishes, are also very significant aspects of evaluating all-time greats from my perspective.”
Courier explains what makes Novak Djokovic great
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Sampras earned his year-end No. 1 feats of six consecutive years. While Djokovic cannot emulate that, Courier highlighted what makes Djokovic’s accomplishment equally remarkable.
“Novak’s ability to carve out his own history while playing alongside Federer and Nadal is every bit as difficult and hard to comprehend as Pete’s six years in a row,” Courier said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
If Djokovic holds onto his ranking till March, he will overtake Federer for most weeks ever as No. 1, further adding to his claim in the G.O.A.T debate. But for the moment, Djokovic is only focused on tying Sampras’ record. He can do so with a win over Borna Coric on Wednesday.
“Jordan Status Type”: Nick Kyrgios Picks Roger Federer Over Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the GOAT Debate