Novak Djokovic responds after being asked if he sees himself as the greatest tennis player ever

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Few players have a stronger case for being tennis’ greatest of all time than Novak Djokovic…

Throughout the era dominated by the ‘Big Three’, it was always going to be one of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, or Roger Federer who would finish up not just as the standout player of their era, but possibly of all time.

Once Nadal and Federer retired in 2022 and 2024, both with fewer Grand Slam titles than Djokovic, many felt it settled who deserved to be called tennis’ GOAT.

Still, the conversation hasn’t gone away. Fans are still waiting to hear from the 38-year-old on where he stands in the debate.

Piers Morgan asks Novak Djokovic who is ‘the greatest player that ever lived’

Morgan posed this very question during his interview with Djokovic: “Who do you think is better? If you had to pick a guy.”

In a conversation with Piers Morgan, Djokovic was asked whether he sees himself as the greatest tennis player ever.

“I’ve been asked this question quite a bit, particularly lately, in the last several years because, obviously, there are a lot of stats that people play with,” he said.

“Comparisons between [Rafael] Nadal, [Roger] Federer and myself, primarily because of our numbers of Grand Slams won, tournaments won, weeks spent at number one, etc.

Djokovic has always been consistent when it comes to discussing the G.O.A.T. debate…

“But my answer is quite consistent when it comes to the overall general discussion of the greatest of all time. And I’m going to say it again.

“I’m not going to say whether I’m the greatest or not because it’s not my position to say that and I would say that would be very disrespectful towards the generations that have paved the way for me and Nadal and Federer and all others.

“I’ve been asked this question quite a bit, particularly lately, in the last several years because, obviously, there are a lot of stats that people play with,” he said.

“Comparisons between [Rafael] Nadal, [Roger] Federer and myself, primarily because of our numbers of Grand Slams won, tournaments won, weeks spent at number one, etc.

“But my answer is quite consistent when it comes to the overall general discussion of the greatest of all time, and I’m going to say it again.

“I’m not going to say whether I’m the greatest or not, because it’s not my position to say that and I would say that would be very disrespectful towards the generations that have paved the way for me, Nadal, Federer and all the others.

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Djokovic was then pressed on whether his versatility across different surfaces strengthens his argument for being considered one of the best. He gave an insightful response. “I think modern tennis required me to do so,” said Djokovic.

“Going back to the 80s you had three out of four Grand Slams played on grass and now grass is actually played least out surface wise it’s one month a year where we get to play on grass but back in those days used to be predominance service in order.” Bjorn Borg could’ve been ‘greatest’ if he hadn’t retired early” –, said Novak Djokovic.