To Be Great and Be Rid of

Novak Djokovic has had an amazing time 428 weeks at the top of the tennis world rankings while accumulating a record that is almost impossible to break 24 Grand Slam titles since becoming champion 2003. In 21 years, Novak has risen to immortality in tennis’s greatest game. So, why does no one like him? Also, should a man’s temper diminish his chances of being recognized for a great performance?

Of course, ‘none’ is an exaggeration, and most tennis fans around the world love Djokovic—unless you’re from London, that is. Still, it seems that Djokovic gets a lot of vitriol and, for lack of a better partner word, hate.

For the better part of two decades and going into the future, Djokovic’s career has been tied with the impressive careers of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. For a time, Federer was hailed as the greatest player to ever play. But Nadal went on to win every French Open Major and others until he finally surpassed Federer 20 big ones with 22 his own. Nadal then became the best player to ever play for many. Now, to brag 24 Most important to his name, Novak is undisputed in praise and success. However, this cannot be disputed in the feelings or opinions of the fans.

Many people don’t respect Djokovic as the best tennis player because they don’t like him or his style of play. This train of thought is irrational, irrational, and short-sighted. He is a legend but he plays a boring game. He is an amazing athlete but lacks flash. He is a champion again and again but he does not provide entertainment. He is a consummate competitor, a winner if ever there was one, but he cannot be the best—the greatest. Why? Well, I just don’t like him. Like I said—they are naive, irrational, and short-sighted.

The height of his achievements—achievements that now surpass any tennis legend or “almost” GOAT we have seen. His own 24 The Grand Slam titles speak for themselves—an untouchable number—and his absolute dominance over time should be the deciding factor in this debate. This is his joint record 57–52 over Federer and Nadal adds another convincing piece to the discussion. Remember, it was supposed to be Roger versus Rafa for the next twenty years back in the middle-2000s—we couldn’t wait. Then, suddenly, Novak burst onto the scene and ended that dream. We were still respected by the Fed/Rafa conflict; it’s just that Novak wanted in, he came in, he ran with it, lock, stock, and barrel.

To put it on a personal note, I always considered Roger Federer the best. His playing was beautiful and graceful—smooth and calm. I still think about this today. Still, I wouldn’t argue with someone who holds the same level of dominance as Djokovic. I can’t argue; what ground should I stand on? Djokovic has it all and more than Federer or Nadal.

Having recently played in the finals at Wimbledon, albeit against Carlos Alcaraz, it is clear that Djokovic can still compete at the highest levels (proven at the recent Olympics). It shouldn’t be a surprise if he wins at Flushing Meadows in September, perhaps beating Alcaraz this time. Novak’s winning ways may not be over just yet.

Perhaps Djokovic’s reputation among tennis fans and enthusiasts has never been made out to be anything different than it is—prevented from the start, considering the love and admiration shown to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal over the years. Still, from looking through the proverbial glass at his medal case, Djokovic should be considered the best to play tennis. He got more than that right, like him or not.