“Ruthless” Novak Djokovic lauded in a comparision with Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant as he seals a groundbreaking victory at the Australian Open

The Serbian entered his 58th Grand Slam quarterfinal on Sunday.

“Ruthless” Novak Djokovic lauded in a comparision with Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant as he seals a groundbreaking victory at the Australian Open

Kobe Bryant, Novak Djokovic, Michael Jordan (Images via Modern Family, X, Bulls)

24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic is inching closer to another major title as the 36-year-old entered the quarterfinals at the 2024 Australian Open.

Djokovic defeated Adrian Mannarino in three sets to advance to his 58th Grand Slam quarterfinal. The Serb almost registered a triple-bagel win which he avoided on purpose against a 35-year-old Mannarino.

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Nevertheless, he won 6-0, 6-0, 6-3 in an hour and 44 minutes at the Rod Laver Arena. Djokovic will next face American Taylor Fritz against whom he enjoys a healthy head-to-head record. The Serb leads the American 8-0.

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With this win and another quarterfinal qualification, Djokovic equaled Roger Federer‘s record for the most appearances at a Grand Slam quarterfinal.

The 36-year-old looks unstoppable and thus the fans and experts are left bewildered. Some are even going to the extent to compare Djokovic with Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, the two absolute legends of their sport.

All you can say is that Djokovic is a ruthless competitor. Like Jordan or Kobe. He wants to take your head off every single time. No mercy.
Read a post on X from a renowned tennis media house.

Novak Djokovic still has that fire burning inside

While many would feel that after achieving so much and being at the top of every almost record in the sport, Novak Djokovic would slow down, the Serbian denies it.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Credit: NBC Sports)

After his win over Adrian Mannarino, Djokovic talked about the fire burning inside and how it pushed him to do better even at this stage of his career.

The 36-year-old who sits on top with 24 Grand Slam titles in his kitty says that the thrill of winning a break point, winning major titles, and being at the top of the game still excites him and that is what is driving him to do well. 

It is as it always was – very high intensity. I always look for the best performance from myself … when it doesn't happen, I'm frustrated. The fire is still burning … that's what allowed me to be where I am and achieve the things that I have achieved.
Novak Djokovic said. (H/T: Australian Open)

Novak Djokovic might face Jannik Sinner or Andrey Rublev in the semifinals if he happens to beat Fritz. A Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz Grand Slam final will also be on the cards. 

I love the thrill of facing a break point or having a break point, just those kind of emotions are still awakening something that is very deep. Winning majors, breaking records and being at the top of the game is roughly that is always an objective and a goal
Novak Djokovic added.

The last time these two players locked horns in a Grand Slam final, Alcaraz came out on top after a grueling battle for close to five hours.

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