Patrick Mouratoglou Explains Novak Djokovic’s Under Tremendous Pressure to Seize the GOAT Title From Rafael Nadal

There is often a debate about the greatest player of all time in tennis. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic have been at the center of these discussions as far as men’s singles tennis is concerned. We have rarely seen them miss out on podium finish over the last two decades. While Rafael Nadal leads the pack with 21 Grand Slam titles, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer closely follow the Spaniard with 20 major titles apiece.

Often referred to as the ‘Big Three’, they have treated the tennis fans with their audacious displays. Many fellow players on the tour have had their opinions on the GOAT debate in tennis. Recently, Serena Williams’ coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, analyzed who’ll become the greatest player of all time in tennis.

DIVE DEEPER: ‘We’re Only Human, We’re Not Some Sort of Superhuman’ – Nick Kyrgios Calls for Decency From the Crowd While Referring to Naomi Osaka’s Controversy at Indian Wells 2022

Patrick Mouratoglou talks about the GOAT race involving Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic

The legendary French tennis coach opened up about the greatest player in tennis. He broke down his analysis into four points. Firstly, he said, “Roger’s last Grand Slam title was back in 2017. He has played only three tournaments in the last two years and has already announced that he won’t play Wimbledon this year. He will most probably stay stuck at 20 Grand Slam titles.”

Talking about Djokovic, Mouratoglou said, “Until this last Australian Open, Novak was by far in a pole position. He is the youngest of the three, he won an average of two Grand Slam titles per year over the last four seasons. He can easily play three to four more years as he is in a great physical condition. That could take him to 25 or 30 Grand Slam titles.”

Further, he added, “Since the Australian Open, Rafa is back to a comfortable position. He is leading in the number of Grand Slam titles with 21, one more than Novak and Roger. The next Grand Slam will be Roland-Garros and Rafa has won seven out of the last 10 French Opens. It’s still unclear if Novak will be playing in Paris. If Rafa wins the French, Novak will be under high pressure at Wimbledon as he will feel that he has to win it.”

Lastly, he said, “The emergence of new generation of players led by Medvedev, Zverev, and Tsitsipas also threatens Novak’s quest as he lost to Medvedev in the last US Open final.”

WATCH THIS STORY: The Greatest Comebacks in Tennis

With Nadal in great form this year, it will be difficult to root against Nadal at this year’s French Open. It will be interesting to see if Novak Djokovic can stop Nadal’s juggernaut.