Jim Courier declares why Novak Djokovic is above Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
Tennis legend Jim Courier picked Novak Djokovic above Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as his ultimate tennis GOAT.
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Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, (in circle) Jim Courier (via ABC News/Mastercard priceless)
The debate over who is the greatest male tennis player of all time will go on for generations. With Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer in contention for the accolade, fans’ views about who is the best among them have remained split. Former World No.1 Jim Courier has revealed who among them is the GOAT.
Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic’s achievements on the court helped to ensure that the first quarter of this century was the golden era of men’s tennis. The three dominated every aspect of the game and became stern arch-rivals against each other. Nevertheless, the dominating factor in tennis has always been who won the highest Grand Slam tournaments.
In that field, Djokovic amassed the highest, winning 24, while Nadal and Federer claimed 22 and 20 titles, respectively. The Serbian legend also held the World No.1 position for a staggering 428 weeks, far more than Federer, who posted 310 weeks and Nadal for 209 weeks. Jim Courier, who spent 58 weeks at No.1, revealed that Djokovic is his ultimate GOAT.
Ultimately, beyond the titles, you have to take into account the head-to-heads and if you look closely, Djokovic is slightly better at that. Believe it or not, Roger Federer is my number three. Ten years ago, I would have thought Federer was the absolute best, and then along came this guy, the man we’ve been celebrating lately: Rafael Nadal. He’s the one who unlocked the key to Federer’s game. And then Djokovic grew up. Ultimately, beyond titles, you have to look at head-to-heads, and if you look closely, Djokovic is slightly better at that.
Jim Courier said during a Tennis Channel podcast
In terms of head-to-head record, Djokovic has a significant H2H lead over Federer 27-23 and a narrow 31-29 over Nadal. Meanwhile, Djokovic is the only player who hasn’t retired, with Nadal recently hanging his racket at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.
Novak Djokovic to kick off his 2025 season with this competition before the Australian Open
Novak Djokovic is focused on making sure he ends the 2025 season better than 2024. The Serbian failed to win a Grand Slam for the first time since 2017. However, he is committed to turning things around and has already announced that Andy Murray will be his new coach ahead of the Australian Open.
The 37-year-old has announced that he will feature at the Brisbane International for the first time since 2009. The tournament is set to kick off on December 29.
I’m excited to be kicking off my Australian swing at the Brisbane International and to compete again at Pat Rafter Arena. I am looking forward to experiencing the incredible support from the Australian fans and making this tournament one to remember.
Novak Djokovic said via The Independent
Djokovic slipped to No.7 in the ATP rankings despite beginning the year as No.1. With significant change in his team, he will be looking forward to winning his 25th Slam at Melbourne Park next year.
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Victor Okechukwu
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