Novak Djokovic has received a huge reaction after reaching his first Australian Open final since 2023.
Djokovic beat Jannik Sinner in a five set thriller, as he set up a final meeting with world number one Carlos Alcaraz.
Following his comeback win over the two-time defending champion, Djokovic received messages from John McEnroe and many others across the tennis world.
There were also messages from people outside of tennis, with actor Ben Stiller sending a message to Djokovic, and now golf legend Gary Player has done the same.
Gary Player sends message to Novak Djokovic on social media
Player is one of the greatest golfers of all time, with the South African winning nine major titles in his career.
Now at 90 years old, Player still enjoys many sports, seemingly including tennis after a lengthy message was posted on his X (formerly known as Twitter) reflecting on Djokovic’s victory over Sinner.
In this message, Player claimed that Djokovic’s victory over Sinner proved that he is the greatest tennis player of all time.
“It is truly a blessing to live in an era where we can witness greatness in sport from anywhere in the world,” wrote Player. “That was not always the case earlier in my life, and it makes moments like I just witnessed even more meaningful.
“Watching Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the Australian Open just now was a powerful reminder of why he stands as the greatest tennis player the game has ever known. He is now pursuing his 25th major championship, an achievement that speaks not only to talent, but to discipline, resilience and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
“I only wish everyone could view such performances with both appreciation and understanding, recognising greatness with fairness and respect. The Australian crowds were magnificent just as they always were for me, and Novak’s pursuit of what would be his 11th Australian Open title carries special significance.
“History shows that the very greatest champions often face adversity late in their careers, yet it is precisely this adversity that defines them. Across all sports, true superstars share one defining trait: longevity. We have seen it time and again with Jack Nicklaus winning the Masters at 46, Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan after his car accident, Tom Brady, Muhammad Ali, Michael Phelps, LeBron James and others. These athletes return to the summit not by chance, but because they possess something rare.
“Longevity, in my view, is one of the most underrated attributes in sport. Just as a great engine allows a BMW to endure, a great inner drive allows champions to last. I was deeply moved watching Novak. His journey began under extraordinary hardship, growing up amid conflict surrounding his childhood. To rise from that environment to this level of global excellence is nothing short of remarkable. What he has achieved is admirable beyond words.
“Novak now faces a monumental challenge in the final, but his legacy is already secure. Across all sports and all generations, only a handful of athletes possess what can only be described as ‘it.’ That quality cannot be defined, measured or explained, but you know it when you see it. Novak Djokovic has IT. GP.”
Novak Djokovic responds to Gary Player’s message
Player’s words have even reached as far as Djokovic, who has responded to the 90-year-old on social media.
Djokovic replied, “I am deeply moved by your words, dear Gary. It is a great honor and privilege to read these kind of words coming from legendary person and athlete you are. Thank you.”
The Serbian will now look ahead to his first Grand Slam final since Wimbledon in 2024, where he was actually beaten by Alcaraz.
Despite Alcaraz being the current world number one, Djokovic actually leads the head-to-head against the Spaniard 5-4, which includes a victory in the Australian Open quarterfinals last year.
Following his comments on social media, Player will likely be watching the match between Djokovic and keen golfer Alcaraz on Sunday, February 1.
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