6 Times Novak Djokovic Proved He Was the GOAT

Novak Djokovic is the most decorated tennis player today, holding records like 24 Grand Slam titles and 428 weeks at World No. 1. Through a journey shaped by relentless dedication and resilience, the Serbian has made fans out of fellow tennis players and other athletes outside his sport, such as NBA star Luka Doncic and football favourite Erling Haaland.

Earlier this week, Nole defeated Felixe Auger-Aliassime in the longest Wimbledon quarter-final match ever, so it’s safe to say we’re gearing up for yet another epic showdown tonight. At 10pm HKT, he is facing off against Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals for a chance to win his 25th Grand Slam title. Who’s to say he won’t do it? As Rafael Nadal once put it, “With respect to titles, Djokovic is the best in history and there is nothing to discuss about that.”

Often dubbed the greatest tennis match in history, the 2012 Australian Open finals with Djokovic vs Nadal lasted a total of 5 hours and 53 minutes—the longest Grand Slam final ever played. Both players poured out everything on the court, later breaking tradition by taking a seat during the trophy presentation.

Nole played a key role in this tournament, spearheading a big comeback moment in the finals with a crucial victory over Gaël Monfils. It helped to level the score and ultimately led to Serbia’s first and, to this day, only Davis Cup title. The team famously celebrated by shaving their heads together on court.

In a testament to his heart, skill and versatility, Nole won his very first Roland Garros title against fellow “Big Four” player Andy Murray. With this victory, he achieved a “Career Grand Slam” and completed what has been dubbed the “Nole Slam”, which means holding all four major titles at the same time.

Nole defeated Rafa in the semifinals, another epic match that spanned two days. It was Nole’s first big win after a slew of injuries and a dip in his career having not won a single Grand Slam in two years. Having even considered retirement earlier in the year, this match marked a revival in his career and he went on to win the title.

Nole is heavily regarded as the most clutch tennis player in the history of the sport, time and time again demonstrating his exceptional ability to win under pressure and secure the “big points”. In this match, he was down 40-15 and saved championship points against Federer to win the title. It was the third time this exact scenario had occurred following the pair’s 2010 & 2011 US Open semifinal face-offs.

With this victory, Nole joined a club of only five tennis players who have achieved a “Career Golden Slam”— winning all four Grand Slam titles and an Olympic Gold. This Olympic final was also a rematch of his 2024 Wimbledon final against Carlos Alcaraz, so Nole’s straight-sets triumph proved the GOAT’s brilliance even in the face of a new generation.