Novak Djokovic has shown once more that he is in a class by himself, following his comeback to the US Open. By adding yet another Grand Slam title to his collection, the ATP legend has raised his already unprecedented heights even higher. Justifying his ‘GOAT’ stature, the Serbian tennis star recently overcame Daniil Medvedev to mark his 24th record-equalling major triumph in the tennis community.
However, despite enjoying the Grand Slam glory, other tennis greats like Serena Williams and Roger Federer continue to overshadow ‘Djoker,’ according to his recent revelations. Emphasizing the heart-breaking reality, the current world No. 1 player recently issued a powerful statement.
Novak Djokovic gets candid about a major bias in the tennis community
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At the age of 36, the Serb made history after thumping the third seed Russian, Daniil Medvedev, in the US Open title match. With 24 major titles in his bag, Novak Djokovic now sits alongside the WTA veteran Margaret Court at the top of the Grand Slam tally. In light of his historic feat, the new world No. 1 was asked whether he believes he is the greatest player of all time, aka ‘GOAT’ in the entire sporting realm.
While expressing his views on the GOAT debate, the ‘Djoker’ absorbed a harsh reality in his face during his recent interview. He said, “One thing is a fact, though–if I wasn’t from Serbia, I’d have been glorified on a sporting level many years ago, especially in the West”.
“The fact is that if I weren’t from Serbia, many years ago I would have been praised to the heavens from a sports perspective internationally, especially in the West. But it’s OK. That’s part of my life journey. I’m grateful I’m from Serbia.” — @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/SwjMtxWtRx
— Aleks Djuricic (@AleksDjuricic) September 11, 2023
In his honest confession, the 36-year-old exposed the hypocrisy of those who claimed that he would have achieved greatness in the sport long ago if he were not been from Serbia. Djokovic, however, is still proud to be a Serbian as he opened up about how his nationality makes his accomplishments even more “sweeter.”
Djokovic on being a Serbian while he answers his naysayers
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During the conversation, the Serb made it clear that he has now come to terms with the harsh reality and it has become a part of his journey. But the 36-year-old didn’t hold himself back from candidly discussing how he is still proud of his heritage and nationality. He said, “I’m grateful that I come from Serbia. It gives me faith.”
And because of his Serbian nationality, all his accolades in the tennis realm are made even more “sweeter and even more fulfilling.” In the process, the newly crowned US Open winner responded to his detractors by saying, “Let them say what they think.”
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What do you think of the Serbian tennis star’s views on his position in the GOAT debate? Let us know in the comments section.
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