Novak Djokovic talks to the press after the exhibition against Carlos Alcaraz in Saudi Arabia (REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri)
Novak Djokovic is without a doubt one of the best athletes of all time. An absolute reference in tennis, given that he is the player who has won the most Grand Slams in history, with 24 titles, he is still current at 36 years old. Recently, the Serbian was chosen as the most outstanding of the year 2023, according to the French newspaper L’Equipe.
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During the interview conducted by the European media, Djokovic highlighted his hunger for glory, warned that his intention is to “be better every day” and that his first objective will be to repeat the title won a year earlier at the Australian Open in January 2024. .
But what stood out most about the talk with the current number two in the ATP ranking was the answer he gave after the question about whether he is the true GOAT (“Greatest of All Time”). This name is usually a topic of debate on social networks and several athletes are candidates, such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and LeBron James, among others.
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“There are three possible answers to that question. The first would be to say yes, I am the best, but some would say that is a sign of arrogance. The second would be to show complete humility and say that it is not, which is possible. And the third would be to respond that I am who I am, I am proud of what I have achieved. I respect all eras and opinions, and I leave the GOAT debate to others. I’ll take the third,” Djokovic stated, demonstrating his greatness.
Novak Djokovic holds the ATP Masters Finals cup after defeating Jannick Sinner in the final (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
In the vote carried out by the French magazine to determine the best athletes of the year in the male and female branches, Nole surpassed the French swimmer Léon Marchand by a wide margin and left the Formula 1 champion, Max Verstappen, third. It is the second time that Djokovic has won the recognition created in 1975, bringing him closer to the Spanish Rafael Nadal, winner in 2010, 2013, 2017 and 2019.
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On the other hand, the American gymnast Simone Biles was the most voted among women and added her fourth recognition, since the 26-year-old athlete won the 2016, 2018 and 2019 editions.
“I am happy to have served as an example, to have provided proof that our sport can be elevated. I have the impression that I have changed things,” said Biles, who takes over from Polish tennis player Iga Swiatek and beat two compatriots in the vote, skier Mikaela Shiffrin and swimmer Katie Ledecky.
Gymnast Simone Biles was chosen athlete of the year by the French magazine L’Equipe (REUTERS/Yves Herman)
2023-12-29 00:56:07
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