Novak Djokovic solidifies GOAT status but wouldn’t accept it as it’s “disrespectful” toward other great players

Djokovic would not accept the GOAT title. He feels it's disrespectful toward all the great players who have played the sport in different eras.

Novak Djokovic solidifies GOAT status but wouldn’t accept it as it’s “disrespectful” toward other great players

Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer (Images via ATP and Twitter)

Novak Djokovic has scripted history by becoming the first men’s player to hold 23 Grand Slam titles. Yesterday against Casper Ruud in the final of the Roland Garros, he defeated the Norwegian in three sets 7-6(1), 6-3, 7-5 on Court Philippe-Chatier. But did this victory end the GOAT debate? Djokovic was tied was Rafael Nadal with 22 Grand Slam trophies but now he has surpassed that now. Only Margaret Court holds more Grand Slams titles (both men and women) with 24 of them.

But the 36-year-old would not accept the GOAT title. He feels it’s disrespectful toward all the great players who have played the sport in different eras. He stated that different legends of the game has left huge marks for the young players to follow. For nearly 14 years, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer dominated the sport like no other. But the rise of Djokovic saw him dominate the tennis world and eventually became one of the Big 3.

YouTube video

“I don’t want to say that I am the greatest, because I feel, I’ve said it before, it’s disrespectful towards all the great champions in different eras of our sport that was played in completely different way than it is played today,” said Djokovic via Roland Garros website when asked how he feels being the greatest male player in the history.

“So I feel like each great champion of his own generation has left a huge mark, a legacy and paved the way for us to be able to play this sport in such a great stage worldwide,” he added. He left it for the fans and pundits to sort out other stuff and said he will just focus on his game.

Related: Alexander Zverev won’t bet money on Casper Ruud’s French Open chances against Novak Djokovic in the final

‘GOAT’ Novak Djokovic back to No.1

Novak Djokovic back to No.1
Novak Djokovic (Image via Twitter)

The updated ATP rankings after the French Open saw Novak Djokovic reach to No.1 rankings after dethroning Carlos Alcaraz from the top spot. This might help the Serb be the top seed at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships.

Djokovic also kicked off his ninth stint and 388th career week at the top spot today. He is currently the record holder for most weeks at No.1 in ATP rankings history. He is 78 weeks ahead of second man on the list, Roger Federer (310).

On the other hand, Rafael Nadal, who is a 14-time Roland Garros champion and could not play at the French Open due to a hip injury. He lost a whopping 2000 points and slip to No. 136, which is his lowest ranking in two decades.

In case you missed it!