Novak Djokovic just got massively disrespected in Rafael Nadal GOAT debate

Novak Djokovic just got massively disrespected in Rafael Nadal GOAT debate originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It seems the GOAT debate in men’s tennis refuses to die. Many simply wouldn’t want it any other way. 

The latest voice to stir the pot is Ivan Ljubičić, Roger Federer’s former coach and current high-performance director at the French Tennis Federation, who has come out swinging in favor of Federer and Rafael Nadal over Novak Djokovic as the greatest tennis player of all time. 

Speaking on the Off Court with Greg Rusedski podcast, the 10-time ATP Tour titlist didn’t mince words: “Obviously Novak won the most, it’s clear. But for me, the impact that Roger had on the game, and Rafa, in different moments — it’s huge. Maybe bigger than Novak.” 

The kicker is simple: while coaches and pundits debate his legacy, Djokovic is still out there playing. The 38-year-old surprised the tennis world reaching the 2026 Australian Open final, defeating Jannik Sinner in the semifinals before falling to Carlos Alcaraz in the title match. 

He’s still going strong and continues to add to his record book, firmly suggesting that his case isn’t done yet.  Love him or rate him third in a trio, Djokovic has earned the right to be in this conversation. Greatness in tennis isn’t one-dimensional. Djokovic is still writing his story. The debate can wait.

More trending news:

• Puka Nacua breaks silence on Sydney Sweeney, Sara Saffari dating rumors
• Aaron Rodgers slams exes in scathing rant: ‘Move on’
• We now know who Alysa Liu’s Olympic crush is
• Fitness influencer reacts to Puka Nacua dating rumors
• Cardi B seemingly takes shots at Stefon Diggs in scathing concert rant post-breakup