“He is World No. 1,” Novak Djokovic lines up to Lionel Messi and Michael Jordan as French ATP icon struggles with expressing the Serbian’s greatness

Richard Gasquet is at a loss for words as he compares Novak Djokovic to other sporting greats.


“He is World No. 1,” Novak Djokovic lines up to Lionel Messi and Michael Jordan as French ATP icon struggles with expressing the Serbian’s greatness

Michael Jordan,Richard Gasquet, and Novak Djokovic (via Open sources)

For any sport, many athletes usually retire after the age of 35 as their bodies won’t allow them to put in the same amount of work. However, not for Novak Djokovic, who is moving fresh at 36, surprising many ATP stars like Richard Gasquet

The Frenchman, also 37 years old, is surprised by how Djokovic manages his body. Speechless, Gasquet compared the Serbian to other sporting greats like Michael Jordan

YouTube video

For the uninitiated, MJ was the icon of power back in his era. Playing basketball until the age of 39, he set the bar for other athletes worldwide. Similarly, Djokovic is also at the top of his game, winning multiple titles at the age of 36.

FS Video
It’s bound to get worse [with age]. Apart from Djokovic, who wins Grand Slams at almost 37 years old? Have we ever experienced this in sport, apart from perhaps [Michael] Jordan? (Lionel) Messi plays in Miami, the others (footballers) in Saudi Arabia, he is world No 1. 
Said Gasquet to L’Equipe.

Last year, the Serbian had a winning record of 88%, with 56 wins out of 63 matches. He claimed seven titles out of 12 tournaments, getting him back on top for the eighth time. Gasquet himself is struggling with form and admitted to getting worse with age, but more interestingly, excluded tennis great Djokovic.

Richard Gasquet continues his bad form as he hails Djokovic for his amazing run at the age of 36

Richard Gasquet, the 37-year-old Frenchman, is currently ranked at World No. 131 as his bad runs at the tournaments continue. He has lost nine ATP tour-level matches and admitted to losing form with age. 

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Via ATP)

As right as he is, the Frenchman excluded Novak Djokovic from the bracket of people, as he is thriving at the same age. 

While athletes do not have the same form as they once did, Djokovic is playing better than he did. Gasquet also compared him to the football great Lionel Messi, who is playing strong for his team. Unexplainably, he is at a loss for words to explain why Djokovic is moving so strongly at 36. 

I can’t explain why a guy like that is so strong at that age. 
Said Gasquet.

Last year alone, Nole had three Grand Slam titles to his name and the Nitto ATP Finals. With four prestigious titles, he ended up as World No. 1.

He was a little scratchy at the 2024 Australian Open but still managed a decent run till the semi-finals, where he lost to Jannik Sinner. On the other hand, Gasquet is struggling to find form and faces another early loss at the Open 13. 

In Case You Missed It: