Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal used to be at the top of the ATP, along with Novak Djokovic. They comprised the big three, and finals of several tournaments often took place between them for a long time. Now, Djokovic is the only player who reached the finals as Federer has retired and Rafa is struggling with injuries. As many wonder why the Djoker is still at the top, a former Moroccan professional reveals why he believes the Djoker still prevails.

Although he is still shining at the top, the Serbinator misses facing his old compatriots constantly. In the finals of today, he faces new champions but remembers the days he used to battle with Rafael Nadal and Federer.

Why Novak Djokovic is at the top of the sport

In the 2010s, one could expect the finals of most tournaments to take place between Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. Many players broke through, but as long as they played, one could call them a favorite. Eventually, Djokovic is the only one who remained and has won more than his two rivals. Younes El Aynaoui, the former Moroccan pro, and coach to Hugo Gaston, talked about why the Djoker has won more than them. 

“Like Roger and Rafa, we will probably never see players again. There is something more behind the numbers, that is seen in the difficult moments of life, in how one behaves. When you win it’s very easy, everyone is with you, but the real champion is seen in defeat. Rafa and Roger have always accepted defeat better than Novak, maybe that’s why he won more than them. But it’s not all about the track record, it’s about the person.”

Read More: 35-Year-Old ATP Veteran Sits Right Beside Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic After an Extremely Rare Feat on the Tennis Tour

As the Djoker continues to win titles, he becomes even more of a legendary player, and the future will call him one of the greatest players to ever grace the sport. But as he further solidifies himself as a legend, he misses the competition that used to face.

The Djoker misses the old competition

After his US Open triumph, Djokovic made it clear that counting him out as one of the best of the ATP was a big mistake. The Serbinator is still beating the younger competition and will continue to do it for as long as he can. After he won the American slam, Djokovic talked about facing either one of Federer, Nadal or Andy Murray in the final of several tournaments.

The four played at the highest levels, but the other that is not the case anymore. The variety of his opponents is much more vast now, but he doesn’t mind facing different players in the finals. While they are absent, Djokovic’s mindset is helping him push even more and win more titles, taking his career many steps ahead of his rivals. 

Watch This Story: The Journey of Roger Federer to the Elite Billionaire’s Club