Many consider Novak Djokovic the greatest tennis player of all time. However, his father, Srdjan, has gone further and says he is the best athlete in sports history.
Djokovic’s 24 Grand Slams and record number of weeks at No. 1 in the ATP rankings make him the most statistically successful tennis player ever, surpassing his great rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Those who argue against Djokovic being the best tennis player ever sometimes point to Nadal and Federer’s conduct on the court, believing that the Serbian’s fiery outbursts at umpires, fans, and members of his team devalue his legacy.
However, although all fans are entitled to their opinions, a broad consensus has formed about Djokovic being the best tennis player ever because of his achievements that have not been matched by any other player.
The question of whether the ten-time Australian Open champion is the greatest athlete ever is a wider topic because of how many sports there are. He would need to be considered better than many iconic figures across athletics, football, basketball, and other sports.
Djokovic’s father told Danas that his son is the best athlete ever. He derided those who try and stop him from saying that and said he would not be ashamed of admitting it since it seems so obvious to him.
“I am happy and satisfied to be the father of the world’s best athlete of all time. Don’t be afraid to say that, because he is by all accounts the greatest athlete of all time. Feel free to say it, those who don’t let you say it are wrong. Whatever he does in the rest of his career, he will be the best in the world.”
Although Djokovic’s father is certain he is the greatest athlete, the player himself has refused to say he is even the best tennis player ever. The 37-year-old does not want to appear arrogant or disrespectful to others.
Nadal called Djokovic the best in history after losing to him in their last professional match at the 2024 Olympics. Djokovic has said the Spaniard is his most significant rival, meaning his opinion matters a lot in the debate.
While Djokovic might have proven himself to be the best tennis player ever, the mark that he, Nadal, and Federer left in the era when they dominated the sport will be remembered forever and was a golden time for tennis.
Nadal recently spoke about how the three men pushed each other throughout their careers. It took a physical toll on them, leading to Nadal and Federer retiring and Djokovic experiencing more injuries recently.
The most recent example of Djokovic’s increased injury woes was his retirement at the 2025 Australian Open against Alexander Zverev in the semifinal because of a torn muscle in his hamstring.
Djokovic returned to action at the 2025 Qatar Open last month but was videoed limping while walking to the airport in Doha. Hopefully, he is fit and ready for the 2025 Indian Wells, which starts in a few days.
