At Roland Garros in 2023, Novak Djokovic finally became the all-time leader in men’s singles Grand Slam titles.
After spending his whole career trailing both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, Djokovic claimed a 23rd major crown, surpassing the record held by the Spaniard at the time.
The Serb beat Casper Ruud in the final of the French Open that year, and extended his record at the US Open in the season, clinching number 24.
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Having overtaken his two greatest rivals, many began to feel Djokovic was worthy of the title: Greatest of all time.
But the then-36-year-old, who also became the oldest to ever win the French Open, refused to accept ‘GOAT’ status.
Novak Djokovic’s comments after the 2023 Roland Garros final
Asked how it feels to be the greatest player of all time after completing the feat, Djokovic responded: “Well, thank you. I mean, I don’t want to say that I am the greatest.
“I’ve said it before, it’s disrespectful towards all the great champions in different eras of our sport that was played in a completely different way than it is played today.
“So I feel like each great champion of his own generation has left a huge mark, a legacy, and paved the way for us to be able to play this sport in such a great stage worldwide.
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“I leave those kind of discussions of who is the greatest to someone else. You know, I have of course huge faith and confidence and belief, you know, to myself and for everything that I am and who I am and what I am capable of doing.
“So this trophy obviously is another confirmation of the quality of tennis that I’m still able to produce, I feel.”
Novak Djokovic’s attempts at a 25th Grand Slam title since 2023
Djokovic said after winning number 23: “Truth of the matter is, and reality is, my body is responding differently, so I have to deal with more things physically than I have had maybe in the past.
“Maybe five to ten years ago I was recovering much quicker or, you know, just didn’t feel as much pain in the body and the beating that I’m feeling today.”
Though he has not been able to add to his major collection since winning the 2023 US Open, Djokovic has come close.
In 2024, he made the final of Wimbledon, but was denied by Carlos Alcaraz for the second year in a row.
The year after, Djokovic reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slams, suffering losses to Alexander Zverev, Alcaraz, and twice to Jannik Sinner.
In 2026, so far, Djokovic has made the final of the Australian Open, once again coming up short against Alcaraz.
With the 22-year-old out of Roland Garros, however, Djokovic may have a great chance at capturing number 25 in Paris.
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