3 Years After Expressing Rafael Nadal Admiration, Chess Icon Magnus Carlsen Makes a Novak Djokovic Confession

Similar to chess, tennis has now become a sport that involves serious mental fortitude. In an exciting turn of events, chess titan, Magnus Carlsen, shed light on an interesting take of his about tennis. Carlsen sat with the popular chess YouTuber, GothamChess, to share his views on a lot of things. However, his statements about Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer eventually became the highlight of this interview.

Carlsen, being a chess player, always thinks two steps ahead. So, it is only natural that he favors the entity that he thinks is on the winning side. What he said when asked about who is the greatest in tennis is definitely worth talking about.

Grandmaster’s evolving tennis alliances with Novak Djokovic 

Carlsen is a celebrated chess maestro and holds a certain kind of respect among the masses. He recently laid bare his shifting loyalties in the world of tennis. Three years ago, he drew parallels between himself and Nadal. He dubbed himself a “monster.” Fast forward to the present, Carlsen’s allegiance has now taken an unexpected turn. Well, it is not that surprising. In a candid exchange, when probed about the tennis pantheon, Carlsen swiftly declared “Djokovic!” His answer came with a lot of conviction. By sharing the genesis of this allegiance, he pointed to Djokovic’s prowess. 

He was then asked whether Djokovic was always the greatest for him. Carlsen revealed that for him, Novak Djokovic became the greatest after the Australian Open. In his words: “No, it was after the Australian Open thing that he became the greatest for me.” The journey, however, wasn’t always paved with Djokovic admiration. In the days of yore, Carlsen leaned toward Federer. Yet, there was a twist. Despite the Swiss maestro’s allure, Carlsen found a kindred spirit in Nadal’s relentless and versatile play.

Comparing Carlsen’s chess mindset to his tennis preferences, it’s evident he is well aware of what goes on in tennis. While Federer’s artistry once resonated with him, it was the sheer power and versatility of Nadal that struck a chord. However, it seems like he has finally picked Djokovic to be his favorite and whom he thinks to be the greatest in tennis. No matter what, the Big 3 of tennis often stir fans up when the ‘G.O.A.T’ question arrives.

The trifecta in tennis

The age-old G.O.A.T debate surrounding Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic goes beyond the court. It’s a clash of distinct mindsets in an intense sport. Federer takes the spot of being the graceful maestro since he embodies peace and finesse. On the flip side, Nadal channels raw force, believing in striking first and striking hard. His demeanor is that of a relentless warrior on the court. 

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Then there’s Djokovic, who prioritizes victory above all. The Serbian sensation showcases unparalleled mental fortitude. Carlsen picking Djokovic as the greatest shows how quickly he gets familiar with the flow. Each of these titans represents a unique approach to the game. 

Whether it’s Federer’s artistry, Nadal’s power play, or Djokovic’s unwavering determination, the Big 3’s contrasting styles keep the sport a subject of debate amongst tennis enthusiasts. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 

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