One of India’s most successful tennis players has hailed Novak Djokovic’s caring nature in the sport and believes he has earned the right to be considered the greatest in history.
Sania Mirza says ‘the numbers don’t lie’ whilst speaking about the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) debate during an interview with The Week. Djokovic has won more Grand Slam titles than any other player on the ATP Tour (23) and has held the No.1 ranking position for more weeks than anybody else. The Serbian has also earned a record $171.254M in prize money so far in his career.
However, others argue that the accolade should be given to either Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer given their achievements. Nadal has won more titles on clay than any other player and Federer is the only male player to have won Wimbledon eight times.
Nevertheless, Mirza has lent her backing to Djokovic in the debate. The 36-year-old is a three-time Grand Slam champion and former world No.1 in women’s doubles.
“I don’t know in which generation we will be able to see three of the best the world has ever produced,” she said.
“The debate will continue but I definitely think that, given the way Novak is playing physically, he has probably become the greatest ever male player if you look at the numbers. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal forced each other to become the best and they credit each other, and also Novak, for pushing them to their limits.”
Mirza has also insisted that Djokovic is well respected and quite liked on the Tour despite the criticism he has received from the media throughout his career. He is the co-founder of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) which is an independent body set up to campaign for players to have a greater say in the decision-making process of the sport. Although the organisation has been criticised in the past by the ATP with some accusing it of trying to divide tennis.
Nevertheless, Mirza points out that Djokovic’s involvement in the PTPA highlights the support he provides to other players. She believes becoming a tennis great isn’t just about a person’s performance on the court but it is also about being a ‘good person.’
“He is part of the Professional Tennis Players Association, but he does not need to be part of it. He does so because he wants to help others who are not as privileged as him. I do not know how to describe greatness, but it is not just about being a great tennis player. It is also about being a good person.” She commented.
“I do not know if he is misunderstood on the circuit; he is quite liked actually on the tour. Everybody has a lot of respect for him, as they should, but I think because it has been a Rafa-Roger rivalry, everyone spoke about him as the third man who kind of came in. Who would have thought he would surpass everybody one day.”
So far this season Djokovic has won two out of the three Grand Slams played at the Australian Open and French Open. At Wimbledon, he reached the final before losing to Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set thriller. On the ATP Tour, he won the Adelaide International back in January.
“He is gunning for it every time he steps on the court. He wants to break records and I think he wants to break every limit. He wants to perfect what he wants, to be emotionally and mentally in the best shape possible.” Mirza concluded.
Earlier this week, Djokovic delayed his return to competitive action after withdrawing from the Toronto Masters due to fatigue.
