Novak Djokovic is “better than Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in every way”, according to Croatian legend Nikola Pilic.
Pilic was one of the pioneers of tennis who rose from the amateur era to the Open era, with him reaching a Roland-Garros final in 1973.
He has followed Djokovic’s career closely from the start and he believes his latest Wimbledon title could be the most important of his career so far.
Speaking to SportKlub about Djokovic’s performance to win Wimbledon, Nikola Pilic said: “A very important tournament for Novak, more important than any before.
He may have been helped at the end by Rafael Nadal who had to retire with injury before the semi-finals, although Pilic doesn’t think it would have made a difference even if the Spaniard had been able to continue.
“Nadal didn’t play well the whole tournament,” he said. “He struggled with form, I don’t think he can beat Djokovic in the final. I’m pretty sure.
Novak Djokovic has now won more Grand Slams than Roger Federer and is only one behind Rafael Nadal, meaning the conversation once again turns to who is the greatest of the three.
Pilic, however, says there is only one true answer to this question.
“Novak is better than Nadal and Federer in every way,” he explained.
“He was the number one player in the world for 374 weeks, which is impressive. Moreover, no one but him has won all Grand Slam titles twice, and Novak has a positive head-to-head with almost every player.
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“But of course, hats off to Nadal too. For hundreds of years, no one will win 14 titles at Roland Garros like him.
Djokovic may now not be able to play at the US Open due to his vaccination status, and Pilic says that particular situation is difficult to understand.
“He’s had a lot of problems this season,” he said. “He found out he couldn’t play the US Open now that we don’t have the coronavirus, and last year when it was relevant he could play. »
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