Novak Djokovic became part of what is now known as the Big Three in tennis (Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal) after he won three out of four Grand Slam titles in 2011. The memorable victories came when the Serbian star defeated Rafael Nadal in the finals of Wimbledon and the US Open to break the one-sided reign in men’s tennis.
Even though Nadal and Federer had won ten Grand Slams each, Djokovic kicking into the peak of his form late made sure he surpassed almost all their records and beating the debate about who is the Greatest Tennis player of all Time.
Carlos Ferrero praises Novak Djokovic
Juan Carlos Ferrero is a Spanish former world no. 1 tennis player who is currently the coach of Novak Djokovic’s rival Carlos Alcaraz. His pupil has faced Novak four times this year alone, with Alcaraz’s Wimbledon win over the Serb being a highlight for coach and player.
Ferrero explained how a ‘difficult’ formula enabled Novak Djokovic to be the greatest of all time, outdoing Federer and Nadal in the process. He opined that Djokovic’s statistical advantage over his rivals and the records he achieved alone guaranteed him a place in the upper echelons of the sport.
Ferrero said via Marca that people may prefer Nadal and may love Federer’s style, but Djokovic is the best in history: “With Djokovic’s numbers there is no debate. You may like Rafa more, you may like Roger’s style more, but in terms of numbers the best in history is Novak. I’m not surprised by his Grand Slam success. He is a player who lives for tennis & achieving results at the highest level.”
“Everything he does is to be physically perfect. From food, to rest and other things.. To be very good at something you have to excel a lot in certain things. It is very difficult, today, to want to have a life parallel to training & professionalism. To dedicate just enough to tennis. It has to be the other way around. Djokovic, in that, is the best.”
Novak Djokovic to face Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-final of Nitto ATP Finals
After Jannik Sinner had helped Novak Djokovic qualify after defeating Holger Rune in the final game of Green Group, it meant that Carlos Alcaraz would meet Novak Djokovic for the third this season at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz had earned a spot in the semifinals of the ATP Finals against Djokovic after beating Daniil Medvedev in the final Red group game.
However, Novak Djokovic came out victorious against the Spanish star winning 6-3, 6-2, making the Serbian tie with Ivan Lendl for the second most finals at the ATP Finals. Djokovic also made sure that he defeated Jannik Sinner in the final to claim his record 7th Nitto ATP Finals title of his career.
After the defeat Carlos Alcaraz says he has to improve a lot of things if he wants to be at Novak Djokovic’s level: This match will help me a lot coming into the pre-season. Right now I know all the things I have to improve if I want to be there, if I want to beat the best player in the world.”
Novak Djokovic, who has been unbelievable this season has ended it better than expected. With an 8th year-end world no. 1 finish, the Serbian star also made sure to add three out of four Grand Slam title and two ATP 1000 Maters, taking his tally to 98-tour level career title.
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