Novak Djokovic wrote a new page of history at Roland Garros 2021. The world number 1 managed to win an epic final, in which he recovered two sets of disadvantage against Stefanos Tsitsipas (11 years younger).
The 34-year-old Serb had already regained the upper hand of Lorenzo Musetti and Rafael Nadal on his way to the Paris final, highlighting a physical and mental strength that is perhaps unmatched in the modern era of sport.
Thanks to his triumph in the City of Lights, the Belgrade champion also became the first man of the Open era to have won all major tournaments at least twice.
Roy Emerson had been successful before him, but he had done it long before the advent of the Open Era. Rod Laver, meanwhile, won all four Grand Slam tournaments for the first time in 1962.
Nole has therefore climbed to 19 Grand Slam titles, only one title of his eternal rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. In an interview for the ATP website, the legendary Rod Laver spoke about how Djokovic deserves to be included in the GOAT debate.
Rod Laver on the GOAT debate
“A lot of people, including me, think Roger Federer is the best of all time right now,” said Rod Laver. “But Novak is racking up a lot of records so you have to look at his career.
You have to put him in the group of the greatest players. He needs to be on top “The Australian also praised Djokovic’s mental toughness, saying he is a vital weapon in the world number one’s arsenal.
“I did it as an amateur and as a professional,” Laver said. “I don’t know what was the most difficult. But I’m thrilled for Novak. He likes the challenges that are always there.
This is what fascinates him. He doesn’t often find himself unable to play his best tennis. He’s a different player. Mentally, he’s strong. A game or two less in the fifth means nothing to him.
He continues to fight “For his part, Patrick McEnroe, former double champion at Roland Garros, recently said that the GOAT was still the subject of some debate.
“Is Novak Djokovic the greatest player of all time? It’s still a debate. But it looks like he is on the way to be,” said Patrick McEnroe. “What is apparent now is that Djokovic is the most complete player of all time”
Wimbledon 2021 is set to start in two weeks and fans seem pretty excited about it. The Grand Slam did not take place last year due to the coronavirus pandemic and as a result Novak Djokovic and Simona Halep are still the reigning major champions.
However, one name automatically comes to mind when they hear about Wimbledon: Roger Federer.
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