French Open 2023 final: Novak Djokovic says others must decide who is ‘the greatest’

Novak Djokovic, the winner of the French Open and holder of a record-breaking 23 Grand Slam titles in men’s singles, humbly defers the decision of being labeled as the greatest player of all time to others. Surpassing Rafael Nadal’s previous record, Djokovic now stands alone in terms of men’s majors, alongside Serena Williams. The prospect of equaling Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 titles at Wimbledon in July looms ahead.

Rather than engaging in discussions about his greatness, Djokovic, aged 36, prefers to focus on shaping his own unique legacy. He gracefully leaves the task of determining his position in tennis history to others, acknowledging that he is merely writing his own story.

For the past several years, Djokovic has engaged in a captivating rivalry with Nadal and Roger Federer, who retired last year with 20 major titles. By triumphing over Casper Ruud at Roland Garros, Djokovic has now pulled ahead of his long-standing adversaries for the first time. With Nadal planning to retire in 2024 and Federer already retired at 41, Djokovic appears poised to extend his lead even further.

Acknowledging his newfound achievement, Djokovic expresses gratitude for the impact and legacy left by every great champion in their respective eras. He possesses unwavering faith, confidence, and belief in his abilities and his potential to continue producing exceptional tennis. His latest victory at the French Open serves as further confirmation of his enduring quality on the court.

Looking ahead, Djokovic aims to equal Court’s record at Wimbledon, a tournament where he has already emerged victorious seven times, making him the favorite to equal Federer’s record tally of men’s titles. Grand Slam championships remain his highest priority, not just for the current season but for every season, particularly at this stage of his illustrious career. With his career spanning two decades, Djokovic emphasizes that the journey is far from over. As long as he continues to win Slams and maintain his motivation and inspiration, there is no reason to contemplate the end of his career.

In recent years, Djokovic has strategically adjusted his tour schedule to ensure he peaks at the right moments for the four majors. This approach has proven successful, as he has now emerged victorious in six of the past eight majors he has competed in. His coach, Goran Ivanisevic, marvels at Djokovic’s ability to mentally switch gears when it comes to Grand Slam events. Ivanisevic describes Djokovic as being more motivated and hungry upon arriving in Paris, and he finds it fascinating to witness Djokovic’s unrelenting drive to continue pushing his limits and striving for more titles, even after reaching the milestone of 23.

Despite physical challenges, such as an elbow injury that affected his preparation for Roland Garros, Djokovic remains undeterred. He acknowledges that his body responds differently now, requiring more attention to physical issues and pain management. However, he dismisses the notion of age as a hindrance, emphasizing that it is merely a number in his case. Ivanisevic shares Djokovic’s confidence, stating that he never doubted Djokovic’s condition and firmly believes that he still possesses a great deal of physical strength to secure additional major victories. Djokovic’s agility and court coverage continue to astound, as he moves effortlessly like a cat, always present and ready to pounce on every opportunity.

As Djokovic looks toward the future, the tennis world eagerly anticipates witnessing his further achievements and the impact he will continue to make on the sport.