Djokovic insists he is tennis' GOAT amid Grand Slam battle with Nadal

26 February 2023 , 12:13

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Novak Djokovic celebrates winning the Australian Open last month, his 22nd Grand Slam singles title (Image: Getty Images)

Tennis star Novak Djokovic believes he is "the best" and that his belief and confidence in his own abilities has played a major role in his success.

Djokovic has won a record 22 Grand Slam men's singles titles, more than any other tennis player in history besides rival Rafael Nadal who has also won 22. And with Djokovic looking to overtake Nadal in 2023, he has opened up about his mindset.

Ahead of becoming the all-time leading NBA point scorer, basketball legend LeBron James said: "I feel like I'm the best basketball player that ever played the game. That's just my confidence, that's just what I bring to the table, what I possess."

And Djokovic shares that same mentality, telling the National News : "I can relate to that because I believe that what worked for me and still works for me is that self-belief and confidence level.

"Of course always balanced with the respect towards the opponent, towards the game, appreciation for the moment and for what you're going through. But just self-belief that, hey, I know that when I'm ready, when I'm there out on the court, on any surface, against anybody, I'm better, I'm the best.

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"And I don't think there's anything arrogant or pretentious about it. I don't see anything wrong in that. And I congratulate LeBron for his historic achievement, he absolutely deserves it because at this age, he works as hard as anybody really out there.

Djokovic shares LeBron James' mindset of believing he is "the best" (Getty Images)

"And that's a great role model and a great example to all the young guys. Because I think in basketball, tennis, football, those big global sports, things have changed in terms of the age.

"Maybe up to 10, 15 years ago, anybody who passes the border of 30 years old, he's already old, they're already counting his days. And nowadays, Nadal this year he's 37, I'm 36, LeBron James is close to 40, [Roger] Federer was 40 and was still playing at the highest level, Tom Brady, Serena [Williams], [Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Lionel] Messi, it's unbelievable.

"It's great because it kind of also gives inspiration to young athletes to know that they can extend their career, that they don't put the limit mentally just because someone else imposes that limit on them, that after 30 you're more or less done, so it's time to think about your end. There is no end really, in your mind."

Matthew Cooper