Sampras: Competing with Federer and fending off the next generation proves Djokovic’s unparalleled greatness

If asked who truly deserves the title of "GOAT" in men's tennis today, Djokovic is often the top pick, as he leads in Grand Slam wins and all other tennis metrics. Yet, for many, the GOAT standard involves more than just statistics, including impact and legacy.

Recently, a typically reserved former champion, Pete Sampras, dropped a bombshell in an interview regarding the ongoing GOAT debate in tennis.

“To dominate matches while competing against two other legendary stars (Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal) and successfully repel the next generation demonstrates his unmatched longevity and talent. That is the true measure of greatness.” This is the latest praise from tennis legend Sampras about Novak Djokovic.

As a former champion of the previous generation, Sampras openly praised Djokovic as “worthy of the title of the greatest player ever,” a compliment that goes beyond Djokovic’s 24 Grand Slam titles to acknowledge his sustained dominance across eras.

Sampras has long recognized Djokovic’s extraordinary achievements. In an interview, he openly admired Djokovic, first highlighting his technically near-perfect game and potential to surpass Sampras’s own records.

As a veteran player with 14 Grand Slam titles, Sampras’s evaluation carries considerable weight within the tennis community.

Especially after Djokovic claimed the year-end world No.1 ranking for the seventh time, breaking Sampras’s record of six, Sampras stated directly: “The achievements Djokovic has reached send a clear signal that he deserves the title of the greatest player in history.”

This statement was called “the tennis god’s recognition of the current king” by tennis columnist Greg Garber.

As a tennis elder, Sampras also analyzed Djokovic’s technical traits, noting first his serving: “Although Djokovic’s serve is not known for power, it is very varied; he clearly knows when to serve down the T or out wide.”

“His serve placement is tricky, and in critical moments, Djokovic elevates his serving, often delivering aces when the pressure is highest,” Sampras commented.

Secondly, Djokovic’s talent includes exceptional flexibility, among the best in men’s tennis. This allows him to retrieve balls with incredible sliding moves and execute difficult shots, while also helping him avoid many injuries.

Sampras also praised Djokovic’s movement: “Djokovic is very fast, covers the entire half of the court defensively, and can quickly approach the net to volley.”

In Sampras’s view, mental strength improvement was key to Djokovic’s rise. He once thought Djokovic’s emotions fluctuated too much, which would hinder winning more Grand Slams.

“But now he quickly focuses on the match; he has evolved into a great champion,” Sampras remarked.

Djokovic himself has expressed admiration for Nadal’s mental toughness: “When it comes to mental strength, no one is better than Rafa.” This respect for a rival highlights Djokovic’s psychological maturity.

Sampras noted that even when Djokovic was down two sets to Federer, he managed a comeback, a mental resilience that impressed him deeply.

Sampras also specifically mentioned Djokovic’s background. Djokovic was born in Serbia, a small Eastern European country plagued by poverty and war.

“Djokovic, coming from Serbia, never received favor from Western media; wherever he went, he was always considered an outsider, earning the reputation of playing ‘global away matches,’” Sampras said.

However, this environment fueled Djokovic’s motivation. Sampras analyzed: “Because he was born in a country with no tennis idols, he had to create history and become that idol himself.”

“Driven by the need to be a hero to inspire the next generation, Djokovic’s motivation is endless,” Sampras added.

Sampras’s comments sparked wide discussion among tennis fans. One user commented: “When a legend like Sampras acknowledges Djokovic’s GOAT status, the debate should be over.”

Another fan held a different view: “Federer’s unique elegance, powerful serve, fluid attacking style, and naturally perfect one-handed backhand combine into a level Djokovic can never reach in his lifetime.”

Some fans offered a rational analysis: “Djokovic’s greatness lies in maintaining dominance across eras, first competing with Federer and Nadal, now facing challenges from the new generation like Sinner and Alcaraz, proving his adaptability.”

“The challenge of playing ‘global away matches’ has forged Djokovic; emerging from war-torn Serbia, he has a toughness Federer can hardly understand,” summarized one fan.

Djokovic continues to make history. Not only has he broken many records held by predecessors, but at age 38, he remains at the pinnacle of tennis. Despite challenges from rising stars like Sinner and Alcaraz, Djokovic is still fighting, earning widespread respect. Sampras’s endorsement is a tribute bridging two generations of tennis kings.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)