Former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic has weighed into the debate concerning the greatest player of all time in men’s tennis by pledging his full backing behind world No.1 Novak Djokovic.
The 48-year-old Croatian has been a member of Djokovic’s coaching team since last summer. Prior to that the two have been close friends and have praised each other on numerous occasions. Speaking in a recent interview, Ivanisevic believes Djokovic is unbeatable when playing at his peak on the tour.
“I repeat, for me he is already the best tennis player in history,” he told SK.
“When he is present, ready and healthy, there is no one better.
“What will be looked at at the end of their careers will be decided by people, but I think Novak will be the best in all relevant categories.”
The world No.1 has started the 2020 season by winning 13 consecutive matches in Australia. At the start of January he guided Serbia to the winning the inaugural ATP Cup after defeating Spain in the final. Then at the Australian Open, he won a record eighth title in Melbourne by downing Dominic Thiem in five sets.
Ivanisevic, who retired from tennis in 2004, believes it will be only a matter of time before Djokovic breaks two of rival Roger Federer’s records.
“I do not believe Novak will play for another five years, although he has a very good five years,” he stated.
“He will most likely top the Federer record for most weeks at No. 1 after the US Open and the record for the most Grand Slams next year.
“He can even do that this year, for which he would have to win all three remaining Slams.
“But if he wins all three, then he has again done something that only Rod Laver has managed.”
Federer, who is six years older than Djokovic, has won 20 grand slam titles and spent 310 weeks at the top of the ATP rankings. In comparison, Djokovic is currently on 17 major titles and 277 weeks as world No.1.
It isn’t just Federer and Djokovic involved in the debate surrounding who is the greatest. 12-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal has won 84 ATP titles so far in his career with 59 of those occurring on the clay. Making him the most decorated player on that surface in history.
Djokovic will return to action later this month at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. He will be seeking to win the tournament for the first time since 2013.
