The discussion about GOAT tennis involved Patrick Mouratoglou, who stated that Novak Djokovic is in better shape today than he was ten years ago. At the same time, the French coach said this did not happen for Roger Federer.
Interviewed by Tennis Majors, Mouratoglou explained: “Often hear that what Roger did between 2017 and 2019 is as good as what Novak is doing now, and that Roger was a better player in 2017, 2018, than before. But at 36, 37, Roger was not able to win three out of four Grand Slams and be consistent all year long and be really, one step above all the players.
This didn’t happen. The difference is Novak, he’s physically as good today as he was when he was 26. That’s a huge difference. When you are at that level physically, you can be consistent all year long and beat all the best players in the world on a consistent basis.
That’s a big difference.”
Djokovic’s extraordinary season
The season experienced by Novak Djokovic almost bordered on perfection. At 36, the Serbian champion has had one of his best years, having won three Slams (Australian Open, Roland Garros, US Open), and the ATP Finals.
The tennis player from Belgrade obviously finished at the top of the ranking ahead of Carlos Alcaraz, who kept the lead in the balance until the last tournaments. Only in 2015, 8 years ago, the world number one was able to achieve a similar result.
Even in that case Nole won three Slams out of four, missing the appointment in Paris. Many have wondered what the best version of him was. There are different factions, those who say that a younger, physically fresher Djokovic was superior, others say that the current one is the best version of himself.
Of course, we also have to say how Novak Djokovic will be the main favourite also for the upcoming Australian Open 2024.