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'Oh boy': Novak Djokovic's dad slaps down Federer and Nadal rivalry

riley morgan
Sports Reporter
·3-min read
Novak Djokovic (pictured left) smiles has holds the Wimbledon trophy next to runner-up Roger Federer (pictured right).
Novak Djokovic (pictured left) only loses to rivals (such as Roger Federer pictured right) because he 'allows his opponent to beat him', according to his father. (Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic's dad has made the brazen claim that no one can outplay his son, but rather he "allows his opponent to beat him" due to his unmatched ability on the court.

World No.1 Djokovic recently pulled out of the Miami Open after announcing he wanted to spend more time with his family following his Australian Open triumph.

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But Djokovic is set to return to the tour at Monte Carlo to gear up for the clay court season and attempt to dethrone Rafael Nadal at the French Open and claim his 19th Grand Slam title.

Djokovic's Aus Open title meant he is now just two shy of both Nadal and Roger Federer.

He also recently surpassed Federer's record for the most week's as the World No.1 ranked male.

While the debate of the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) continues to play out in the tennis community, Djokovic's father doesn't think there should be a discussion.

Speaking to publication Sportske Novesti, Srdjan Djokovic said he was already beyond his two greatest rivals and would prove it this year.

"I think you have the wrong question, he has no tendency, he is already the best of all time," Srdjan Djokovic told the publication.

Novak Djokovic gives the thumbs up to fans as he holds the Wimbledon trophy next to his father Srdjan Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic poses with the trophy and father Srdjan Djokovic as he celebrates victory on the balcony after the Gentlemen's Singles final against Roger Federer in 2019. (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images)

"According to the number of weeks spent at No. 1, and in head-to-head matches, according to the number of Masters titles...the only thing he lacks is Olympic gold and those two Grand Slam titles, which he will win this year."

Srdjan Djokovic hit out at his son's rivals and even went as far to claim that everything in the tennis world 'depends on him'.

"He is the best and everything in the world of tennis depends on him," Srdjan said.

"He can lose, but not because his opponent outplayed him, but because he allowed his opponent to beat him."

He went on to claim that Djokovic should only be compared to legends in other sports such as Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan, such is his dominance in tennis.

Djokovic reaches World No.1 record

Despite pulling out of Miami, Djokovic recently surpassed Federer as the all-time leader with the most weeks as World No.1.

The World No.1 is set to put a distance between himself and Federer's record after his incredible start to the 2021 season.

In celebration of his milestone, a 'beautiful tribute' was prepared as pictures of his triumphs were projected onto town hall in Belgrade.

After sharing the moment with fans, Djokovic celebrated with friends and family at dinner.

But he was pictured singing along with fans outside the restaurant in celebration of the big day.

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