“Similar to the F-18 Navy Fighter Jet,” Novak Djokovic was chosen as the ‘Perfect’ player by Nick Bollettieri
Follow Us
Novak Djokovic and Nick Bollettieri
Novak Djokovic has established himself as a lifelong candidate in the GOAT debate. Entering the decade of 2010s with a solitary Grand Slam, he finished with 16 more shattering multiple records in the process. The 21-time Grand Slam winner is already the greatest for many sects of fans while others keep him in contention.
Djokovic quickly developed himself to be an all-rounder dominating on all surfaces. Apart from Rafael Nadal, he is the only other ATP player to have won all four majors twice in the Open Era. Rod Laver and Roy Emerson also achieved the feat but neither of them won twice in the Open Era.
While many greats of the game have praised Djokovic, the highest praise he ever got was possibly from Nick Bollettieri. The American coach gave the sport lot of greats. The list includes the likes of Andre Agassi, Boris Becker, the Williams sisters, Maria Sharapova and Monica Seles to name a few. Despite these stars having coached under him, when it came to naming the perfect player, Bollettieri named Djokovic.
“I will not answer this question but will go on the line to describe who I believe is the most perfect tennis machine, similar to the F-18 Navy Fighter Jet: Novak Djokovic. Let me start out by saying there is never anything that is absolutely perfect. However, as I go back in time (60 years) and think about all of the players I’ve had the privilege of watching, I believe Novak’s overall game, including the mental and physical parts, maybe as perfect as I’ve seen,” Bollettieri had said in his column.
Nick Bollettieri had praised Novak Djokovic’s entire personality
Novak Djokovic has over the years also developed a knack for having fun on the court. While he remains focused throughout the match, he makes sure to give fans some showmanship as and when possible. This skill of him not being a serious player but an entertainer, in general, was also picked by Bollettieri.
“Novak has an engaging, fun loving, thoughtful, and honest personality that is very appealing and great for the game. He can entertain (I especially like his dance moves and imitations of other players) and thrill the audience. The fans know they are in for a show every time he steps onto the court. The Djokovic family has done a lot for tennis in Serbia.
“I was fortunate to be hosted by the family in Serbia during their ATP tournament as their guest. Their entire family was a delight for me to be with. I’ve also had the chance to work with Novak’s youngest brother, Djordje, on several occasions at IMG Academy – Bollettieri Tennis Program,” the American coach noted further.
The loss of Bollettieri was massive for the tennis community. A pioneer and visionary in the sport, many greats paid their respects on his demise. These anecdotes however are just a testament to the insightfulness of the American who saw right through the players even if he did not coach them.
Stay Updated!
Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)