Mats Wilander awestruck by Novak Djokovic’s tenacity as he calls the Serb the ‘greatest in history’
Wilander believes Novak Djokovic is one of the most complete players in history.
Novak Djokovic and Mats Wilander (Image via Imago)
Novak Djokovic made a miraculous recovery after his knee surgery, taking to the practice courts just a couple of weeks after the procedure. He was seen using crutches to walk in Paris after assuring fans that the operation was successful. Days later, news of him hitting the gym and even moving around on court went viral and his mental strength was lauded by fans.
Even legends like former World No. 1 Mats Wilander were awestruck by Djokovic‘s rapid recovery after the injury and did not hold back on the compliments. He said Djokovic is in a league of his own, and that, coming from someone as experienced as Wilander, who has become a reputed tennis presenter and commentator since his retirement from the professional circuit, is high praise.
Wilander elaborated on his feelings about the Serb and how the things he does cannot be fathomed.
He’s a different creature. It's really difficult for all of us to grasp him. He is simply the mystery that bears the name Novak Djokovic - and this Novak Djokovic happens to be the greatest player in history.Mats Wilander said to Eurosport
Many active pros also lauded the Serb for his inhuman feat and fitness, claiming that it is next to impossible to recover as fast as he did. Wilander was undoubtedly impressed too and boldly hailed Djokovic as the greatest of all time, hinting at what side he has taken in the G.O.A.T. debate.
Wilander marvels at Djokovic
— C Kristjánsdóttir ●? (@CristinaNcl) June 29, 2024
“He’s a different creature
It's really difficult for all of us to grasp him. He is simply the mystery that bears the name Novak Djokovic – and this Novak Djokovic happens to be the greatest player in history."
?https://t.co/se1fp1BBJ2 @Eurosport_DE
Mats Wilander highlights what makes Djokovic the G.O.A.T.
Wilander believes Novak Djokovic is one of the most complete players in history as he draws comparisons to fellow Big 3 members Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. He highlighted that Djokovic’s dominance has to do with his ability to perform exceptionally on all three surfaces and adapt well to different conditions.
The Swede explains that Djokovic has no weaknesses while pointing out the drawbacks of the other two.
What we didn't realize is that there were no weaknesses anywhere in his game on any surface--I think it took a while for everybody to understand that he doesn't have weaknesses. [Roger Federer] has a weakness. [Rafael Nadal] has weaknesses. [Novak Djokovic] doesn't really have a weakness.Mats Wilander added
Federer struggled on clay while Nadal has not fared well against Djokovic on hard courts in the last 11 years, not securing a single set against him on the surface. Djokovic has defeated Federer at Wimbledon and Nadal at Roland Garros, establishing his status as a perfect, all-court player in Wilander’s eyes.
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