Former Serena Williams coach Rennae Stubbs defended Novak Djokovic, stating that he doesn’t need to win another Grand Slam title to be considered the GOAT. The former doubles world No. 1 believes that Margaret Court’s tally of 24 Grand Slams continues to motivate Nole to achieve the absolute record.
Djokovic is the all-time leader in men’s tennis with 24 Grand Slam titles, ahead of Rafael Nadal (22) and Roger Federer (20). However, when including women, the Serbian is tied for first place with Margaret Court, who won the same number of titles between 1960 and 1973, although 13 of them were before the Open Era.
“I don’t think he needs to win another Grand Slam”
Nonetheless, if Djokovic wins the US Open, he can reach 25 major titles and join Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer as the most successful champions of the tournament. “Do I think he’s going to be up to win the US Open? Absolutely. Because that’s the one record that he still doesn’t have,” said Rennae Stubbs.
“I tend to think that’s dumb — I don’t think he needs to win another Grand Slam to say, I’m truly the greatest male or female [player],” she added. “He has one thing left, and that is the ultimate Grand Slam major record at 25. Because we’ve got the old, you know, move the goalpost Margaret Court at 24, who won like 10 Australian Opens when nobody played. But he wants that record.”
Djokovic made a strong debut at Flushing Meadows, securing a decisive victory over Radu Albot, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4. The world No. 2 commented on his remarkable longevity: “There’s not one word or secret that would describe it all. It’s just a way of life, a way to approach my tennis career,” the 4-time champion said.
“I was fortunate very early on in my life to be surrounded by knowledgeable and passionate people who were kind enough to share their guidance with me for years, and they taught me very early on that prevention equals longevity,” he added. “Stretching. Warm-up. Everything I do early on in my life will come back to me later in my career. The body is one part. The mentality and emotional, mental aspect is something on the other side. You’ve got to find the optimal balance between the two.
“I’m still enjoying myself competing. I’m very self-critical on the court. I get frustrated at times. At the end of the day, this sport gave me so much. Me continuing to play and giving 100% every time I step on the court is paying back to this wonderful sport,” Djokovic concluded.
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