Ex-ATP Pro Explains Why Novak Djokovic is Best Player of All Time Ahead of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal Who Are ‘Bit Lower Numerically’

Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer have won a combined 66 Grand Slam titles.

Ex-ATP Pro Explains Why Novak Djokovic is Best Player of All Time Ahead of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal Who Are ‘Bit Lower Numerically’

Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal (Image via X/Danny)

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The Greatest of All Time debate dominates the discussion in the tennis world. For David Nalbandian, the former player from Argentina, Novak Djokovic is the best player.

Djokovic, for sure, is the GOAT when the stats are taken into account, as he holds the record for most Grand Slam titles, winning 24 Majors. He also holds several other records, including the most weeks spent as No.1 and the most Masters 1000 titles won (40).

His former longtime rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, took home 20 and 22 Grand Slam titles and called time on their respective careers at the 2022 Laver Cup and the 2024 Davis Cup. Nalbandian, during his interview with Clank, said that, for him, the 38-year-old is the GOAT.

No doubt, Nole. For results, for numbers, and everything. You might like Roger and Rafa, who are a bit lower numerically, but they were symbolically much more for the people. It’s also a matter of taste. For me, there’s no doubt that Djokovic is the best.

David Nalbandian said

Djokovic will continue his search for his 25th Grand Slam title in next year’s Australian Open, the main draw of which is scheduled to start on January 18. This year in the tournament, the Serb, after knocking out Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinal, suffered a hamstring injury and handed the walkover to eventual runner-up Alexander Zverev in the semifinal.

Djokovic also reached the semifinals of the remaining three Majors. World No.2 Jannik Sinner knocked him out in straight sets at the French Open and Wimbledon, while Alcaraz knocked him out at the US Open.

Djokovic ended his season after winning his 101st career title in the first edition of the Hellenic Championship after defeating Lorenzo Musetti. Prior to the ATP 250 Athens event, Djokovic became the third man in the Open Era to win 100 or more ATP titles after Federer and Jimmy Connors, when he beat Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in the Geneva Open final. Apart from the two ATP 250s, Djokovic also reached the final of the Miami Open but failed to go past Jakub Mensik.

Argentina Open director Martin Jaite wants Novak Djokovic to play in the tournament

During a press conference, Argentina’s tournament director, Martin Jaite, expressed his wish to see Novak Djokovic play in the event. Djokovic has never played in Golden Swing events before, as, instead of South America, he prepares for the tournaments in the Middle East.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/AllAboutHQ)

If Djokovic comes to play the Davis Cup in Chile, of course, we would love for him to come play our tournament. It’s not something that depends on us.

Martin Jaite said

This year, Djokovic featured in one event on the Middle East swing. He played the Qatar Open, but his run ended in the opening round with a straight-set defeat to Italy’s Matteo Berrettini. Djokovic will kick-start his campaign for the 2026 season at the Adelaide International, which is scheduled to start on January 12. He has twice competed in the event before, winning in 2007 and 2023.

In 2023, he went past Sebastian Korda in the final. Apart from Nole, other players who signed up for the event are: Jack Draper, Joao Fonseca, Tommy Paul, and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

The last Big Title that Djokovic lifted was the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he defeated Carlos Alcaraz to clinch the win. His last Grand Slam title was the 2023 US Open, where he went past Daniil Medvedev. Just like last year, Djokovic skipped the ATP Finals this year as well. He holds the record for most titles in the year-end championships (seven).

Also read: Former Australian Open Semi-Finalist Reveals what Amanda Anisimova Needs to Improve on to Win a Grand Slam