Startling stat shows Novak Djokovic is destined to be GOAT

While the ‘greatest of all time’ debate has always centred around Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, an astonishing stat suggests Novak Djokovic is about to blow them out of the water.

While Federer and Nadal are slowing down with age, Djokovic is actually getting better.

In clinching his seventh Australian Open title on Sunday night, Djokovic won his 15th major and third in the last three slams, taking him within two of Nadal (17) and five of Federer’s all-time record (20).

However it was also the 31-year-old’s seventh major since turning 28, and his eighth in the last 19 grand slams.

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To put that in perspective, Federer has only won five after turning 28 – some 10 years, while Nadal has three.

That means Djokovic has won just under half of his slams in the so-called ‘twilight’ of his career, showing no signs of slowing down.

Federer won 15 of his 20 slams before age 28, while Nadal won 14 of 17.

Djokovic also has the distinct advantage of being 31, while Nadal is 32 and Federer 37.

If he plays to at least 38 (which Federer is about to turn), that gives him around 28 more chances to surpass the Swiss legend.

‘It motivates me’

“I am aware that making history of the sport that I truly love is something special. Of course, it motivates me,” Djokovic said on Monday as he basked in the glory of his win.

“Playing grand slams, biggest ATP events, is my utmost priority in this season and in seasons to come.

“How many seasons are to come? I don’t know. I’m not trying to think too much advance.

“I do want to definitely focus myself on continuing to improve my game and maintaining the overall wellbeing that I have – mental, physical, emotional – so I would be able to compete at such a high level for the years to come, and have a shot at eventually getting closer to Roger’s record.

“It’s still far.”

To achieve the feat, the world No.1 would have to hold all four major titles simultaneously for the second time in his career.

Djokovic described conquering Nadal at the French Open, who will be chasing a 12th title at Roland Garros in May, as “probably the ultimate challenge in tennis”.

“It’s just the beginning of the season. I know there’s a lot of tournaments to play before Roland Garros, so I have plenty of time to build my form slowly,” he said.

“I need to play better than I have last season. I am already playing better, but (on) clay specifically in order to have a chance and shot at the title.

“The ultimate challenge there is to win against Nadal. Then you have (Dominic) Thiem and (Alexander) Zverev, Roger is probably going to play.

“You have a lot of great players that on clay can challenge me or anybody else.”

with AAP