Novak Djokovic is finally due back in action after what has felt like an eternity away from the sport.
Due to kickstart his Rome Open campaign this Friday, it will be the first match he has played since being dumped out in the Monte-Carlo semi-finals by Casper Ruud, nearly a whole month ago.
The Serbian is seeking to manage his calendar with more intelligence this year, as he focuses on the tournaments that matter most to him. Above all else, that Olympic gold medal will be his ultimate goal.
His work in getting himself into a position where he will likely be the favourite for that competition is impressive, and at 36 years old, this likely will be his last chance to complete his trophy cabinet.
Rick Macci on Novak Djokovic’s underappreciated trait
Having already opened up about Emma Raducanu, and his thoughts on her chances in the Grand Slams that are to come throughout her career, Rick Macci does not reserve his praise for youngsters alone.
That is, despite having run one of the most famed tennis academies back in his heyday, as the man credited with having taken a leap of faith to start training the legendary Serena Williams back when she was younger.
His claim to fame has allowed him a platform to profess his thoughts on the sport he loves, and anyone who loves tennis usually admires Djokovic.
Macci is no different, as he outlined on X one trait which he feels is not quite as appreciated as it should be.
He wrote: ‘We take it for granted but health is the wildcard in any sport. Look at the NBA. Look at the NFL. Look at the last ATP event in Madrid. Look at overall eye popping numbers of his DURATION and this why the JOKER is MR.GOAT and has earned so much ADMIRATION. @DjokerNole’.
Novak Djokovic no longer has anything to prove
The burden that striving for a certain title or a particular win can have on a player is huge, and can consume an entire career.
Some spend their entire lives on court just pining for that one major title, or a deep run in a Grand Slam, but with the limitless talent they have had to contend with over the years, that has not been possible.
Djokovic is one of three reasons why so many dreams have been shattered over the last two decades, and the fact that he has already won it all leaves him free from those aforementioned pressures.
Olympic gold aside, there is nothing the 36-year-old has not won at least once, such is his incredible quality and remarkable longevity.
He outlasts everyone both on and off the court, and that is why Macci is likely right about his legacy.
After all, to be the greatest, or at least one of them, you have to have more than just natural-born quality. You have to earn it, and Djokovic has certainly done that.
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