Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis titan, has long been a polarizing figure in the sport, yet his record-breaking achievements have cemented him as one of the greatest players in history. Reflecting on his journey, former world No. 5 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga recently marveled at Djokovic’s improbable rise, noting, “Novak Djokovic arrived with a very average game – it’s incredible he surpassed Federer & Nadal.” This candid observation underscores the extraordinary evolution of a player who, despite lacking the flashy brilliance of Roger Federer or the relentless tenacity of Rafael Nadal early on, now holds the record for the most Grand Slam titles in men’s tennis with 24, alongside a staggering array of other accolades. As Djokovic continues to defy expectations in 2025, his story is one of grit, adaptability, and an unrelenting drive to redefine greatness.
When Djokovic burst onto the ATP Tour in the mid-2000s, he was a talented but unpolished prospect from war-torn Serbia, overshadowed by the Federer-Nadal duopoly. Federer, with his balletic grace, and Nadal, the indomitable “King of Clay,” were rewriting tennis history, amassing Grand Slams and captivating fans with their contrasting styles. Tsonga, who faced all three legends during his 18-year career, recalled the perception of Djokovic’s early game: “It wasn’t spectacular, not like Roger’s elegance or Rafa’s intensity.” Yet, Djokovic’s workmanlike approach—built on relentless defense, pinpoint accuracy, and an unmatched mental fortitude—proved to be his greatest asset. “He wasn’t supposed to break through that rivalry, but he did,” Tsonga added, highlighting the Serb’s ability to transform perceived weaknesses into strengths.
Djokovic’s ascent began in earnest with his first Grand Slam at the 2008 Australian Open, a victory over Tsonga himself. At the time, Federer held 12 majors, and Nadal had four, while Djokovic was just entering the conversation. By 2011, he announced his dominance, winning three majors and ascending to world No. 1, a feat that saw him outclass Nadal in six finals that year alone. His 24 Grand Slams—10 Australian Opens, seven Wimbledons, four US Opens, and three French Opens—surpassed Nadal’s 22 and Federer’s 20, a tally that seemed unimaginable when he trailed his rivals by double digits. “Novak in his prime, no one could match him for sure,” said Australian player Bernard Tomic, who faced Djokovic multiple times. “He was chopping Federer 6-2, 6-2, Rafa, 6-2, 6-1, he was that good.”
What sets Djokovic apart is his statistical edge. He leads Nadal 31-29 in their 60-match rivalry, the most prolific in men’s tennis history, and holds a 27-23 advantage over Federer. His 428 weeks at No. 1 dwarf Federer’s 310 and Nadal’s 209, and his 40 Masters 1000 titles and seven ATP Finals crowns are unmatched. In 2024, he completed the Career Golden Slam with Olympic gold in Paris, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a gripping final. “I would say Djokovic is the greatest of all time. The numbers say so,” Nadal himself conceded in an interview, a testament to Djokovic’s undeniable supremacy. Even Tsonga, who once leaned toward Nadal as the greatest, now believes Djokovic could push his Grand Slam tally to “25, 26, 27… maybe 28,” a prospect that underscores his longevity at 37.
Djokovic’s journey hasn’t been without controversy. From his 2020 US Open default for accidentally striking a line judge to his polarizing stance during the COVID-19 pandemic, he’s often been cast as the sport’s antagonist, unlike the universally adored Federer and Nadal. “He’s like the Darth Vader compared to two of the classiest acts we’ve seen,” said John McEnroe, yet he argued Djokovic’s ability to thrive amid adversity makes him “the greatest that’s ever played.” Growing up in Serbia during the Balkan conflicts, Djokovic channeled hardship into hunger, adopting a gluten-free diet that revolutionized his endurance and outworking rivals through sheer discipline.
His rivalry with Federer and Nadal defined an era. The 2019 Wimbledon final, where he saved match points to defeat Federer, and the 2021 Roland Garros semi-final, where he toppled Nadal in five sets, are etched in tennis lore. “Our rivalry has been incredible for the sport,” Djokovic said after their 60th clash at the 2024 Paris Olympics, a 6-1, 6-4 win over Nadal. Yet, Tsonga’s reflection captures the essence of Djokovic’s legacy: he wasn’t born with a game destined for greatness but forged one through relentless improvement. As he eyes the 2025 season, with young stars like Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner pushing him, Djokovic remains a force. “I want to keep playing because these guys are so good,” he said, proving his hunger endures. From an “average game” to the pinnacle of tennis, Djokovic’s story is a masterclass in defying the odds.