Djokovic Can Make GOAT Debate 'Meaningless' By Winning Few More Slams Says Ljubicic

| by Alfredo Bassanelli

Ivan Ljubicic thinks that a few more Grand Slam victories from Novak Djokovic would make the GOAT debate meaningless.

Ivan Ljubicic has a vested interest in the GOAT debate as the former coach of Roger Federer and also a very close friend of the Swiss player. Even so, the Croatian knows Djokovic, is on good terms with him, and doesn't have a problem speaking his mind on the topic including siding with him on the GOAT debate as opposed to Federer.

In a recent interview, Ljubicic broke down how he views the topic explaining that different terms mean different things to different people. Stefanos Tsitsipas said it best earlier this year when he explained why he is backing Federer to be the GOAT and it's because of his impact which is unrivalled.

For me the best in history is not based on the titles, the number of Grand Slams or the number of matches you have won. The GOAT has to be the player who has attracted the most fans to a tennis court, the one who has inspired people.

Tsitsipas on the GOAT debate
Jabeur Reveals Why She Won't Wear Coloured Underwear At Wimbledon Despite Rule Change
Jabeur Reveals Why She Won't Wear Coloured Underwear At Wimbledon Despite Rule Change

Ljubicic has a similar take explaining that for him right now Djokovic is already the most successful player but the greatest of all time means different things to different people. It's subjective and it's never going to be anything but subjective.

I feel that Novak is the most successful already, but the word ‘greatest’ implies subjectivity and personal preference. I think that’s good, to be honest – everybody has a preferred GOAT and let the discussion begin.

If we look at other sports, for example, is there a (definitive) GOAT in football. In basketball everybody agrees that it’s Michael Jordan, but he’s not the one with the most trophies. It’s someone that influenced you personally mostly: for a third of the world it’s Federer, for the other third of the world it’s Nadal and for the final third it’s Novak.

Nadal Comes Under Fire After Meeting Controversial Spiritual Leader
Nadal Comes Under Fire After Meeting Controversial Spiritual Leader

Many predict Djokovic to win a few more and bring his tally up from 23, which for Ljubicic would settle the debate. With two legendary players like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal and one who was able to outplay them at their best and end up with the most accolades, then the debate is meaningless.

If Novak wins a few more Slams – which seems likely at this point – then the debate becomes meaningless. Novak ends up having five to ten more than the others, we won’t have conversations like this anymore.

Elena Rybakina Withdraws From 2023 Eastbourne International With Wimbledon In Doubt
Elena Rybakina Withdraws From 2023 Eastbourne International With Wimbledon In Doubt

Read the full article

Just in

Look at more articles