‘Novak Djokovic is superior to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in key area’, claims renowned coach

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Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic - who is the GOAT?

Patrick Mouratoglou has argued that Novak Djokovic is “superior” to his great rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal when it comes to wanting to improve.

The experienced coach claimed Djokovic “wants it more” than his two contemporaries, while declaring that Federer “is the one who loves tennis the most.”

Djokovic downed third-ranked Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in the final of the 2023 US Open earlier this month to secure a fourth crown at the New York major. The Serbian has now won a men’s record 24 Grand Slam titles.

The world No 1 won three of the four major tournaments this year, while also losing a thrilling Wimbledon final in five sets to Carlos Alcaraz. This is the fourth season of the Serbian’s career where he has claimed three Grand Slam titles – a men’s record.

Nadal, who has not played since January due to injury, sits second on the all-time men’s major list with 22 titles. Federer, who retired following the Laver Cup last year, is in third place on 20 Grand Slam triumphs.

In the latest episode of Eye of the Coach for Tennis Majors, Mouratoglou discussed some of the greatest qualities possessed by each member of the ‘Big 3.’

“All three have the main qualities but some are better than others in some areas. All three love tennis, maybe, probably, Roger is the one who loves tennis the most,” said the Frenchman.

“He’s a player, he loves tennis, he’s breathing tennis, living tennis, all his career and that’s why he was playing that type of tennis. Rafa loves to fight on the court, to suffer, to fight from the first point to the last, this is where he excels and this is where he feels more alive.

“Novak wants to dominate, he wants to be better, and that’s where he is better than the two others. He has the willingness to be better than anyone and dominate to be the very best. It has been a driving force for him all his life. I think he’s superior to [Federer and Nadal] in that area.

“He wants it more, it’s more important to him, he’s prepared to do more, he’s prepared to have the perfect diet every day in his life. He’s prepared to sacrifice everything to be the best. He wants to be the best. He wants to be on top of the world. It’s more general for Novak.”

Mouratoglou, who runs the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in France, has coached Serena Williams, Simona Halep, Coco Gauff, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune.

READ MORE: Novak Djokovic recalls his favourite matches and the ‘highest level’ he has ever played at

Novak Djokovic Patrick Mouratoglou Rafael Nadal Roger Federer

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