The fire continues to burn, Djokovic and GOAT debate moves on to Paris – Tennis
The fire continues to burn, Djokovic and GOAT debate moves on to Paris – Tennis
On Monday, a victorious Novak Djokovic carried the Australian Open trophy around the gardens of Melbourne’s Government House, undermining his claim to be the greatest player of all time (GOAT).
This debate may never be settled, but if it is to be decided solely on major championship victories, it will now be decided at the French Open in the European spring, where Rafael Nadal and the Serbian are tied with 22 victories.
Djokovic is not the only GOAT contender
Rafael Nadal, the other GOAT contender from the open age along with 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer, is dominant on the red clay courts of Roland Garros while Novak Djokovic rules the blue courts of Melbourne Park.
With the caption “Incredible effort, again,” Federer, who is no longer involved in tennis, praised Djokovic.
While Nadal was back in Spain taking care of the most recent of many injuries that have dogged him, the latter was absent. The 36-year-old is sure that he will be able to fully heal from his hip flexor injury sustained at the Australian Open in time to reach Paris in May to compete for his 15th French Open championship.
Djokovic made it clear that he would be there as well, attempting to win his 23rd major title, despite a hamstring ailment that kept him from competing at the year’s opening Grand Slam.
Djokovic is set for a long run
“I think there’s still a lot of that fire inside of me that is burning of passion for the sport and for competition and I think that’s what allows me to still push myself to the limit,” he said on Monday.
“In the practice sessions, day in, day out after so many years to go through the same routines, repetitively, that sometimes is not so interesting.”
“But I know that there is always a greater goal and a guiding star, so to say, and this trophy is one of those guiding stars, it’s something that I always strive to achieve.”
Men’s tennis can continue to enjoy the tail end of one of its most shining golden eras because of the dedication displayed by Djokovic and Nadal, but women’s tennis is still in its first season and still attempting to replace Serena Williams’ shoes.
When healthy, the American dominated the women’s game for nearly two decades, winning 23 Grand Slam singles titles, a total only surpassed by Australian Margaret Court (24) who won most of her matches in the amateur era.
Even if Djokovic is not able to compete in the US Open for a second consecutive year because of his opposition to COVID-19 vaccines, his victory on Sunday moved him very close to those totals.
“I really don’t want to stop here,” he said after the final.
“I don’t have any intention of stopping here. I feel great about my tennis. I know that when I’m feeling good physically, mentally present, I have a chance to win any slam against anybody.”
“I like my chances going forward.”
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