In the realm of sports, greatness is often measured by numbers and accolades. Take Novak Djokovic, for example. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has clinched the top spot in tennis for 428 weeks. His undeniable expertise in tennis is often hailed as unparalleled in the sport, with some comparing it to either Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal. But what happens when it transcends the boundaries of tennis and ignites a debate that includes Djokovic’s own idol? Russian tennis star Yevgeny Kafelnikov has sparked this firestorm by diving into a fascinating discussion that’s redefining the notion of ultimate greatness!

“I have lost a lot of matches, a lot of tough ones, finals of Grand Slams where I should have won but I didn’t. But as Michael Jordan used to say, people only remember the good times,” Novak Djokovic said in 2023. The Serbian star has always been a fan of the American basketball legend, Michael Jordan. The 61-year-old former player’s record in the sport is nothing short of spectacular, winning six NBA championship titles with the Chicago Bulls. 

He not only made a name for himself but also aided in popularizing basketball worldwide. Many tennis fans and experts are of the opinion that Djokovic’s achievements could be compared to that of Jordan’s. But the two-time Grand Slam champion, Kafelnikov, does not agree. At first, he commended Djokovic’s incredible records in tennis while also acknowledging his recent triumph at Paris 2024 (a gold medal victory), saying to ESPN Deportes, “It’s as important as a Grand Slam.” 

But the two-time Olympic gold medalist showed skepticism in putting the two legends, Jordan and Djokovic, in the same category. “There is no doubt that Novak is the best tennis player of all time. I don’t know if he can be put at the same level as Michael Jordan, who for me will always be number one.” Kafelnikov further continued and hinted at how Djokovic doesn’t have to prove his prowess in order to be better than someone, be it Nadal or Federer. Instead, he said, “If he wants to continue playing for the pure pleasure of playing, that’s fine, nobody will criticize him for that.”

However, to some, his Olympic gold medal victory has made him come quite close to the prowess displayed by Jordan. Jon Wertheim, a tennis journalist, had the same essence in his recent tweet, which suggested, “Djokovic’s ability to elevate his play for the biggest occasions verges on the supernatural…Maybe Jordan going 6-0 in NBA Finals comes close, but this is just extraordinary…” 

On the other hand, players like Nick Kyrgios had a different opinion. To him, his longevity and skills on-court are more comparable to those of LeBron James (four NBA Championship winner) than Jordan. Kyrgios said, “No, he is LeBron [James]. LeBron is still doing this at 40. [Michael] Jordan stopped a lot earlier. And wasn’t as dominant,” earlier this year. However, when the former basketball player, Tony Parker, shared his opinion on the subject, it created a new sense of enthusiasm among fans!

Basketball legend, Tony Parker compares Novak Djokovic with Michael Jordan

Remember Novak Djokovic’s historic triumph at the French Open last year? The world was watching him advance towards his 22nd Grand Slam victory with bated breath. Tony Parker was also one of them. However, even before he made a position for himself at the semifinals of the event, the French-American former basketball player hailed the Serbian star as one of the greatest athletes of all time, comparing him to Michael Jordan!

“Novak for me is one of the best ever, best athletes ever, in every sport. What he did for the longevity and to do it for as long as he did it, I don’t think you have a lot of athletes who did that in the history of the game. You can definitely compare him to Michael Jordan in my sport.”

He further highlighted his huge respect for the then two time French Open winner and admitted how he loves to watch him play. Parker’s “favorite aspect,” of Djokovic’s prowess is his “fighting spirit,” and talked about the multiple times that he met him. While we continue to debate whether Djokovic’s supremacy is the same as that of Jordan or not, Novak Djokovic will certainly continue to amaze us with his inevitable presence in tennis!