Novak Djokovic answers the GOAT question as he makes a confession about his family
Novak Djokovic has made a big splash in Paris as he prepares to make a return to the court after a lengthy absence, as he revealed the time he spends with his family is more precious than his moments on court.
The 24-time Grand Slam-winning legend has not played a match since appearing for Serbia in the Davis Cup on September 16, with that appearance coming a few days after he won the US Open in New York.
Djokovic has not played an ATP Tour event since beating Carlos Alcaraz in a remarkable Cincinnati Masters final in mid-August after he opted to skip the Asian leg of the ATP Tour that included the Shanghai Masters.
In fact, his upcoming appearance in the ATP 1000 event in Paris will only be his second regular tour event since he lost to Holger Rune at the Rome Masters in May.
Djokovic’s determination to focus all his attention on Grand Slam events means this lack of activity will be the new normal for the 36-year-old who is aiming to extend his career for as long as possible.
He is also keen to spend as much time with his wife Jelena and young children, as he confirmed in a press conference ahead of his comeback match in Paris.
“As a father, I have learned that spending more time with children really grants you incredible satisfaction and beautiful emotions and things that you carry for a long time that define fatherhood and parenthood in a way. Just spending as much as possible quality time with my children,” he said.
“I have been modeling my schedule this year to my likings where I want to play, and I haven’t played many tournaments at all, I’ve got to spend more time with my family, and that was a beautiful thing.
“You know, because the rewards that you get in the relationship is something that is bigger than anything.”
READ MORE: Novak Djokovic appears at Rugby World Cup Final alongside a famous face
Djokovic was also asked whether the debate over the greatest player of all-time, after his US Open win last month moved him two clear of Rafael Nadal in the battle to finish this era of tennis with the most major titles.
The Serbian is also closing in on a remarkable 400th week as world No 1, with all the major tennis records almost certain to be in Djokovic’s collection by the the time he hangs up his rackets.
Despite having all the statistics on his side, Djokovic was reluctant to declare he has now won the GOAT race over Nadal and Federer.
“No, I’m not going to say I am the greatest player of all times,” he added. “It’s not up to me to say things like that. I leave it up to others.
“Obviously I’m very proud that my greatest rival could say such things, but I leave this discussion to other people.
“I’m honored to be a tennis player who’s writing my own name in the history of tennis, and I’m glad to be at the top right now.
“That’s the most important thing for me. Then we can discuss at length about the whole history of tennis, but once my career is over we can do it.
“Right now I guess this is very interesting for you, for everyone, all of you who follow tennis.
“But as far as I’m concerned, that’s not a priority for me. I need to maintain, to focus myself on what is important for me right now.”
Nadal suggested in a recent interview that being hailed as the best player of all-time meant more to Djokovic than him and that final comment may have been a subtle hint that he is not merely motivated by his personal battle with his rivals.
