Novak Djokovic’s Quest to Be in G.O.A.T Discussion Hinges on 2016 US Open Title

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has a sizable lead over Andy Murray in the ATP rankings. He is poised to defend his U.S. Open title and finish the year with another flourish. He’s been one of the most dominant champions in history at a time when many contenders are battling hard to join the elite superstars.

Superlatives on the 29-year-old Serb are often inadequate. He’s a dynamic defender, keen ball striker and savvy competitor, the superstar tennis guru Nick Bollettieri called “the game’s most complete player, ever,” as headlined in the The New York Times, and that was in 2013. Last year, Bollettieri amended this in The Independent, calling Djokovic “the most perfect player of all time.”

And then Djokovic went out and won the only all-surfaces Grand Slam in tennis history.

For sure, we’ve never seen a champion with fewer weaknesses. Add in his growing versatility and resilience, Djokovic passes the eyes test with no disputations.

The only thing left is just how long Djokovic’s reign will continue. Can he build on a legacy that has in some ways already surpassed his contemporary super rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal?

He shouldn’t have anything to prove, except that winning the 2016 U.S. Open is a critical piece for supporters or detractors who will eventually look back at his legacy to determine if he deserves the mythical title as the “Greatest of All Time.”

Who do you think is the greatest of all time? I said “Djokovic”. What do you think? https://t.co/4FVEnX8F9J via @Metro_Sport

— Eli (@Eli_1Helena) August 23, 2016

 

How Super Novak Went Supernova

Entering 2015, Djokovic had seemingly settled in as a future Hall-of-Fame player with seven majors and just as many second-place finishes at these venues. He was cruising …

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