Novak Djokovic addresses GOAT debate question as Nick Kyrgios delivers clear verdict

Ewan West 16 May 2024 3:46 PM

Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios pre-match

Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios before the 2022 Wimbledon final

Nick Kyrgios has told Novak Djokovic he is the greatest tennis player of all time, but the legendary Serb said he will never share his opinion on the debate.

While Kyrgios argued there is “no conversation” about who is the GOAT, Djokovic explained he enjoys people talking about the topic as it brings attention to tennis.

Djokovic is considered by many to be the best player in tennis history as he owns the majority of the most significant records in men’s tennis.

The 36-year-old has won a record 24 Grand Slam titles, while his great rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer sit second and third on the all-time men’s list with 22 and 20 respectively.

Djokovic also holds the records for most weeks spent as world No 1, ATP year-end No 1 finishes, Masters 1000 titles, ATP Finals titles, while he has a winning record against his two biggest rivals.

During an episode of the Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios podcast, Kyrgios gave Djokovic his backing in the GOAT debate, but the Serb expressed his respect for previous generations.

Kyrgios: We can’t leave without talking about the GOAT conversations. Does it really bother you when people always compare Federer and Nadal, Djokovic because like, I love this. I love this debate so much because I’ve played all of you guys, and I’ve somehow beaten you guys. Like, I think it’s hilarious. Like I was a fat kid from Canberra and like, I didn’t love the sport. And then I’m playing the greatest of all time. Like you for me are the GOAT now, hands down. There’s no conversation, but do those GOAT conversations ever really bother you?

Djokovic: When it comes to tennis? I actually enjoy people talking about it. And the reason why is because the more people talk about it, the more attention towards tennis. So, the more tennis benefits from that. And as a tennis player, I want that for my sport. I want more children to be involved in sport. I want more children to take a racquet, watch a tennis match, go out there, start playing tennis. We want that as an ecosystem. Right. So, but I will never say what I think about who the GOAT is in tennis. I will never say that. It’s mostly out of respect for all the greats and all the champions in all the generations before us, because it’s so hard to compare wooden racquet with this racquet today. People could not fly planes to get to places 70 years ago. Right?

Kyrgios: Have you hit with a wooden racket, though? It’s pretty easy. I mean, it’s pretty easy.

Djokovic: I did. I mean you can serve with the frying pan and you would still serve aces man, so…