Novak Djokovic is the Michael Jordan of tennis says NBA legend Tony Parker, envisions the Serb overtaking Rafael Nadal in the race for most Majors

Novak Djokovic on par with Michael Jordan and on course to overtake Rafael Nadal claims NBA legend Tony Parker.

Novak Djokovic is the Michael Jordan of tennis says NBA legend Tony Parker, envisions the Serb overtaking Rafael Nadal in the race for most Majors

Novak Djokovic, Michael Jordan, Tony Parker (NBC Sports, Wikipedia)

22-time Grand Slam singles title winner Novak Djokovic is currently cruising at the 2023 French Open. The former World No. 1 is in the quarter-finals for the 18th time in Paris. Up against Juan Pablo Varillas, Djokovic won the match 6-3, 6-3, 6-2. The straight-set win takes him one step closer to his third French Open title.

With a plethora of records at stake over the next week, the debate on GOAT is once again raging in tennis circles. This time, however, a new entrant has entered the debate. NBA Hall of Famer and four-time NBA winner Tony Parker recently heaped praise on the Serb. He compared Djokovic to Michael Jordan, one of the greatest NBA players and athletes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_afvqvHANA&pp=ygUabm92YWsgZGpva292aWMgZ3JhbmQgc2xhbSA%3D

“Novak for me is one of the best ever, best athletes ever, in every sport. What he did for the longevity and to do it for as long as he did it, I don’t think you have a lot of athletes who did that in the history of the game. So I have a lot of respect for him. I’ve met him a couple of times. He’s a huge basketball fan, in Serbia it’s maybe the number one sport. I love watching him play, I love his fighting spirit. That’s my favourite aspect, the mental part.

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“Knowing Alize (Lim), knowing the game a little bit more, I know the mental part is a huge thing in this sport. And you have to give it to Novak, between him and Rafa, they are the best. You can definitely compare him to Michael Jordan in my sport. I have a lot of respect for him,” said Parker speaking on Eurosport.

In case you missed it: WATCH: Miyu Kato unintentionally hits the ball girl resulting in an unfortunate disqualification win to Sara Sorribes Tormo and Marie Bouzkova at the French Open

Tony Parker justifies himself for putting Novak Djokovic over Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal‘s fans and Novak Djokovic’s fans are always at loggerheads. Ever since Roger Federer retired and both Djokovic and Nadal were tied for 22 Majors each, the fanbase of the two players has further been debating. Tony Parker jumped in on the conversation and lauded the Serb for his discipline in taking care of his body and being injury free.

“I think he’s going to beat the record. He’s healthy, I know his diet, he is really focused on that. I don’t see him not getting the record. Rafa can say, ‘I have the record,’ but Novak is going to get it,” said Parker explaining his comment.

Djokovic certainly looks in pole position to overtake the Spaniard. With Nadal out for the entire season, Djokovic now has an open shot at the rest three Grand Slam events of the season. The 2023 French Open title is three wins away for the Serb. At the 2023 Wimbledon, Djokovic will be the four-time defending champion further increasing his chances of claiming the title.

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