The GOAT debate seems endless. In all sports it is an open question, and tennis does not want to be less: an endless challenge between Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Each one has and expresses their opinion, each one chooses the best, but this time it is one of those directly involved who gives his opinion.
In a long interview with Reem Abulleil in The National News, it is the Serbian tennis player himself who exposes himself, starting from a premise, namely when LeBron James said: «I feel like I’m the best basketball player I’ve ever played.
That’s just my confidence, that’s what I bring to the table.» Asked if he too identifies with that mindset, the 22-time Grand Slam champion replied: «Yes, I can identify with that because I think what worked for me and it still works for me is that level of confidence.
Always balanced with respect to the rival, to the game. But with that confidence in myself I know that when I’m prepared, when I’m on the track, on any surface, against anyone, I’m the best, I’m the best. And I don’t think there’s anything arrogant or pretentious about that.» His career, like that of other great sports stars still active (from LeBron James to Lionel Messi), can also be a role model: «It’s great because in a way that also inspires young athletes: knowing that they can extend their careers, that it is possible to not set mental limits, that after 30 you are more or less finished».
Novak Djokovic is ready
Arriving in Dubai, where he knows his career potential, Novak Djokovic confesses to The National News for quite some time.
He spoke in particular about his Grand Slam run with his «biggest rival», Rafael Nadal. The two legends have, since the Australian Open and the last coronation of the Serbian, 22 titles each. “If I end up tied with Nadal? he would be satisfied.
I would like to have more Grand Slams than my biggest rival, but listen, when I have to stop and go back to my career story, even if I stopped here and he won 10 Grand Slams, I should be satisfied overall. There may be a small part of me that regrets not having more than him, but in the end, how many titles are enough? You have to have the competitive spirit, you have to have that ferocity, the mental focus of a wolf in a way, to be hungry and hungry, because that’s what drives you, at least in my case.
But at the same time there is also time to put things in perspective and say to yourself, ok ‘wow, we’ve done a lot of things’, you have to be proud, you have to be grateful for all these things, be humble,” Nole explained.
