Was reading a recent interview with Pete Sampras. He was very gracious towards Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Would he have thought in 2002 (when he left the 14 Grand Slam titles mark), after having broken the then 35-year-old Roy Emerson’s mark (12), that in less than 20 years, 3 guys (!!!) would leave him a distant 4th … 😳
It is mind-boggling that 3 All-Time Greats have been playing in the same era. From 2004-2021, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have ruled the Tennis world. In the last 18 years, over 71 Grand Slams, only 11 were won by folks other than Roger/Rafa/Novak. That is, 84% were won by these 3 guys! Even in these 11, only 5 Grand Slam wins were against players other than these 3.
Roger is almost 40. Rafa is 35 and has a brutal physical style of playing (More prone to injuries). Therefore, it stands to reason that when all is said and done, Novak will probably end up with the most Grand Slams. All three of them have racked up very unique and impressive ATP records. Here is a look at Novak’s most unique ones.
The most incredible records of Novak Djokovic:
- Only other player (after Rod Laver) in Open Era (Since 1968) to hold all 4 Grand Slams at the same time (Please note that during the earlier Men’s Grand Slams (E.g. Rod Laver), 3 of the 4 majors were played on grass! Nowadays we have Hard Courts (2), Clay (1) and Grass (1)).
- Only person to beat fellow-greats on their best surfaces: Roger Federer 3 times, all in finals, at Wimbledon. Rafael Nadal 2 times, at French Open.
- Only person to win 3 consecutive Grand Slams 3 or more times (4 times!). Pete Sampras and Rafael Nadal have done it once. Roger Federer has done it twice.
- Only person with winning records against both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
- Most weeks as No:1 in the World.
- Only person to win all 9 Masters titles, and that too at least 2 times each!
- Highest ATP ranking points ever, achieved in June 2016 (16950).
- In 2011, when both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were near their absolute primes, he had a 10-1 record against them.
- Most Masters titles in one year (6) achieved in 2015.
- Only player to beat both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at all 4 Grand Slams.
- Only player to reach at least 6 finals at each of the 4 Grand Slams.
- Only player to have double Career Grand Slam.
- Only player to win a Grand Slam after being 0-2 down twice. (2021 French Open).
- Only player to win 2 Grand Slam titles after being match points down (2011 US Open and 2019 Wimbledon).
Adios!