Who Is The Best Tennis Player Of All Time?
"The journey to victory was not easy," says Novak Djokovic, fresh off his triumph in the Australian Open finals 2023, where he defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas. Despite missing the tournament last year and starting this year's competition with a hamstring injury, he persevered and claimed his place as world No. 1 in the ATP rankings.
With 22 Grand Slam titles to his name, tying him with Rafael Nadal, Djokovic's success on the court solidifies his status as the GOAT. This article delves into why Novak Djokovic deserves the title of Greatest Of All Time.
Grand Slam Record
Facts do not lie - Novak Djokovic has solidified his position as one of the greatest tennis players in history. Not only has he overtaken Swiss legend Roger Federer in the Grand Slam count, but he has also caught up with Rafael Nadal. His latest win at the Australian Open 2023, securing his 10th title, cements his dominance in this tournament and makes him the player with the most wins in the event's history. This achievement is a testament to Novak's unwavering dedication to his craft and his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Since his first win at the AO in 2008, Novak has been a force to be reckoned with in this tournament. His remarkable consistency and ability to perform at the highest level have earned him a legion of fans and made him one of the most recognizable faces in tennis.
Head-To-Head Record
At one point, his biggest rivals were considered to be Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, both of whom have been touted as the GOAT in their own right. However, the head-to-head statistics paint a different picture, clearly showing that Novak has the upper hand against both players.
When looking at the numbers, it's evident that Novak's victories over Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer cannot be ignored. Out of the 59 matches he has played against Rafael, Novak has won 30, making him the more successful player in their head-to-head encounters. The same is true for his battles against Roger Federer, with Novak winning 27 out of 50. This level of dominance against his two biggest rivals cannot be ignored and highlights Novak's exceptional skill on the court.
A comprehensive head-to-head comparison of all players over the past 52 weeks once again reveals Novak Djokovic's dominance. He boasts a remarkable win/loss ratio of 85% (40 wins and 7 losses), making him the player with the best percentage of all.
Dominance On All Surfaces
(AP)
Djokovic's hard court dominance is evident from his Grand Slam wins on the surface, particularly his commanding presence at the Australian Open and strong play at the US Open. His physical abilities make him a formidable opponent on the hard court, as the direct surface amplifies his body control, allowing for quickness, speed, and agility. Precise positioning and efficient use of time give him an edge against his rivals.
Grass is another surface where Djokovic excels, thanks to his quick reactions and ability to adapt to the demanding conditions. With the retirement of grass court great, Roger Federer, there is potential for Djokovic to add to his Grand Slam collection.
Though Rafael Nadal holds the title of the greatest clay court player, Djokovic is close behind in second place with Bjorn Borg. Growing up playing on clay, Djokovic is comfortable with the surface and often employs a more defensive game, waiting for the right moment to attack.
When discussing Novak Djokovic's performance on different surfaces, we can support our analysis with statistics. By examining his record in ATP finals since joining the tour, we can gain a clearer picture of his success. In 132 ATP finals, he won 93 and lost 39. Our hypothesis that hard court is his favoured surface is supported by the fact that he has won 67 of the 88 hard court finals he played. He played 12 grass court finals and 32 clay court finals, further demonstrating his versatility as a player.
Comparing the records of tennis greats Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal, it's clear that Djokovic is the dominant player on hard court. Despite playing 97 hard court finals, Federer's win percentage of 73% (71 wins and 26 losses) falls behind Djokovic's 76%. On hard court, Nadal lags even further behind with a win percentage of 48% (25 wins and 27 losses). On clay, Djokovic's win percentage of 56% surpasses Federer's 42%, but both trail behind Nadal's commanding 89%. On grass, Federer remains the leader with a 70% win ratio, followed closely by Djokovic's 67% and Nadal's 57%. It's worth noting that Nadal has only played seven grass court finals, compared to Federer's 27 and Djokovic's 12.
Versatility
Novak's physical performance is a key factor in his success, enabling him to bring versatility to his game. In tennis, consistency is key to winning matches, but this doesn't mean relying on only one or two dominant shots. Djokovic's mastery of several shots sets him apart from other players.
Starting with his backhand, it's been a reliable tool for him since he joined the tour. Thanks to his flexibility, Djokovic can bring consistency and effectiveness to his backhand play. He is less restricted by his reach, making him a great and consistent backhand player.
Djokovic's return game is another strength that he brings to the court. His agility and quickness often surprise opponents as he steals time into the court. This adds another layer of difficulty for opponents, making it even harder for them to benefit from their service.
Finally, Djokovic's forehand has significantly improved over the years. His anticipation and outstanding footwork enable him to play the infamous inside-in or inside-out forehand without missing a beat. These skills make his forehand a formidable weapon on the court.
In conclusion, Djokovic's mastery of these shots brings us closer to answering the question of whether he is the Greatest of All Time. He has proven time and time again that his versatility and consistent play make him a force to be reckoned with in the tennis world. Whether he will go down in history as the GOAT remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: Djokovic is a champion to watch.
Mental Toughness
The key to winning at a high level of tennis is not just technical proficiency but mainly mental strength. When players have equal skill, the one with a clearer mind and stronger mental fortitude often comes out on top. Novak Djokovic's mental toughness is evident in his ability to come back from losing matches and his unwavering focus and determination during long and gruelling games. He has a remarkable ability to stay composed under pressure, which often sets him apart from his competitors. This mental strength has allowed him to win numerous titles and establish himself as one of the greatest tennis players.
One such instance of his mental fortitude was during the 2019 Wimbledon Championships. Facing two championship points against Roger Federer, Djokovic saved the point with a stunning forehand winner, before eventually securing the victory in a marathon match that lasted for almost five hours. This moment showcased his relentless fighting spirit and the ability to perform under pressure.
Another example of Djokovic's mental toughness came during the 2021 French Open Final, where he faced Stefanos Tsitsipas, a player who excels on clay. Despite being two sets back, Djokovic never let the pressure get to him and battled back, showcasing his incredible mental strength. With a combination of relentless tenacity and a never-say-die attitude, Djokovic was able to secure the victory in five sets and win his second French Open title. This moment showcased not only his ability to perform under pressure, but also his capacity to come back from tough situations and turn the match in his favour. Djokovic's mental toughness has been a key factor in his success, and it's what sets him apart from the rest of the competition.
At 35 years old, Djokovic is still moving very well, despite his hamstring injury at this year’s Australian Open. If he maintains his level of health and fitness, I’m pretty sure he can go on to win at least two more Grand Slams.
Novak Djokovic has always been an admirable athlete. His dedication, mental strength, and longevity make him stand out from the rest. But it was his recent victory at the Australian Open that solidified his place as the GOAT in my mind. As I watched Novak claim another of his incredible victories, I decided that he deserved that title.