Former WTA doubles number one Sania Mirza is the latest to weigh in on the long-standing GOAT debate, calling Novak Djokovic the greatest ever male player.
Mirza's opinion is based on numbers. Statistically, Djokovic is clear of his two greatest rivals - Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Djokovic has won the most Grand Slams of any man with 23 (one ahead of Nadal, and three more than retired Federer). He's also spent the most weeks at No. 1 of any player in history, male or female, in singles competition.
Djokovic also holds the record for the most ATP Masters 1000 singles titles with 38 - which is a prestigious category second only to the Slams. Besides winning the biggest titles, Djokovic has refined his game to levels we've never seen before, and his longevity continues to be a hallmark of his illustrious career.
With Federer having hang up his racket, and Rafael Nadal announcing that 2024 could probably be his last year on Tour, Djokovic is not showing any signs of slowing down at the age of 36. He has won two majors this year, and recently finished runner-up at Wimbledon to 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz. And Mirza is astounded by Djokovic's physique at this late stage of his career.
"He has evolved a lot physically; he has done everything in his power to be at the top of his game, especially at 36. He talks of 36 being the new 26―he truly lives by that."
"The way he moves and conducts himself, be it in his diet or training, is all a sign of him evolving and becoming the best version of himself. It is quite scary that the best version of himself is the greatest tennis player of all time."
Djokovic has not given in to injury or motivation issues despite the status quo of the Big 3. Mirza says numbers motivate Djokovic. And the Indian tennis icon reckons Djokovic's numbers make him the greatest male player ever.
"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."
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