Novak Djokovic is one Grand Slam title away from having the most majors of any man or woman in history.
His most recent attempt at the record came at this year’s French Open, where he made the semi-finals before bowing out to Jannik Sinner.
At 38 years old, he continues to perform at the highest level and recently became the third man in the Open Era to reach 100 titles, after Djokovic won the Geneva Open in May.
The Serb’s tally of 24 Grand Slam crowns exceeds that of his long-time rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who have 20 and 22 to their names, respectively.
Djokovic recently spoke on Federer and Nadal, and gave his verdict on who the biggest talent is out of the ‘big three’.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver CupNovak Djokovic says who was the most talented out of ‘the big three’
Speaking on the Neuspjeh prvaka YouTube channel, Djokovic said: “When we compare me, Federer and Nadal, Federer is the most talented one.”
“The most beautiful to watch when playing, he used his energy most efficiently. He moved lightly, so elegantly and so efficiently.
“Nadal is the opposite extreme. He dominated physically. I was somewhere in between, but I leaned more towards Nadal’s style of play.
- Djokovic’s head-to-head record against Nadal: 31 wins, 29 losses
- Djokovic’s head-to-head record against Federer: 27 wins, 23 losses
“More sliding, more running, baseline-focused play and so on. Each of us had our own characteristics, and over time, as our rivalries developed, they evolved and strengthened.
“We always say that, all three of us, and I know they have said it too, that those rivalries contributed to one another’s growth as tennis players and as people.
“I say without hesitation that my rivalry with those two had the biggest influence on my development, especially in the second part of my career from 2011 onwards.”
Novak Djokovic says Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are ‘irreplaceable’
On his rivalries with world number one Sinner and Roland Garros champion Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic said: “It’s not the same.
“Sinner and Alcaraz are truly exceptional, outstanding players. I’m sure we will be seeing them for many more years to come as leaders of the sport, tennis.
“For me, though Federer and Nadal are irreplaceable, and a large part of me left with them.
“And as Federer left and as Nadal gradually stepped away, not officially retired yet, but even when he was still around, I felt different than I do today, after he is completely gone.
“I really am different. I thought it wouldn’t be like that but it is,” said the world number five.
Sinner leads the head-to-head against Djokovic 5-4, while Alcaraz trails against the seven-time Wimbledon champion 3-5.