(Provided by Tennis World USA)
Former 18-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert says she has “never seen anyone” like Novak Djokovic. On Sunday, Evert witnessed Djokovic winning a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title at the French Open. Djokovic, who turned 36 last month, is now officially holding the all-time Grand Slam record for the first time in his career.
“Over the past 50 years, I’ve seen and studied every champion in tennis. I have never seen anyone like Novak Djokovic. The combination of mental, physical, and emotional strength that goes into every shot is unmatched.
Time to really appreciate this man,” Evert tweeted.
Over the past 50 years, I’ve seen and studied every champion in tennis. I have never seen anyone like Novak Djokovic. The combination of mental, physical, and emotional strength that goes into every shot is unmatched.
Time to really appreciate this man.ðð — Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) June 12, 2023
Djokovic receives the ultimate praise from Evert
Now that Djokovic has the most Grand Slam titles in tennis history, some believe there shouldn’t be any doubt about regarding who is the greatest of all time.
But when Djokovic was asked directly if he was the greatest player of all time, he refused to go that route. “I don’t want to say that I am the greatest, because I feel it’s disrespectful towards all the great champions in different eras of our sport that was played in completely different way than it is played today.
So I leave those kind of discussions of who is the greatest to someone else. I have of course huge faith and confidence and belief in myself and for everything that I am and who I am and what I am capable of doing,” Djokovic said.
Moments after Djokovic surpassed Rafael Nadal on the list for the most Grand Slam titles, the Serb received a congratulatory message from his Spanish rival. “Many congrats on this amazing achievement @DjokerNole. 23 is a number that just a few years back was impossible to think about, and you made it!
Enjoy it with your family and team!” Nadal tweeted. Djokovic will return to action at Wimbledon, where he will seek his 24th Grand Slam title.
