Former tennis player on the ATP tour and coach, Wally Masur has hailed Novak Djokovic for possessing a “siege mentality” where the more the pressure, the more he thrives.
Masur who had a career high ranking of ATP #15 also admitted that to him the 24-time major champion is the statistical GOAT and he sees no weaknesses in the Serbs game.
Djokovic overcame #3 seed Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in the final of 2023 US Open last month to seal a fourth title in New York in his 10th final appearance – a men’s record. He has now claimed 12 majors since turning 30s and holds an astonishing 12-3 record in GS’s finals since landing 30s.
By lifting the third Grand Slam trophy of the season, Djokovic is now two clear of rival Rafael Nadal in major count and is separated by 4 of Roger Federer who retired last year at 20 Slams.
The 36-year-old is set to return to action at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Paris next week. He last competed at Davis Cup group stage where he defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in his only group stage fixture, helping Serbia to reach the quarters of the team event where they are awaited by Great Britain.
In an interview given to Yahoo Sport Australia, Masur asserted that he doesn’t not has any questions on Djokovic’s “statistically” GOAT status as he lauded the impenetrable game of the legendary Serbian.
“When you look at players, most of them do a few things really well but they’ve also got holes that you can exploit or they’ve got days where they don’t mentally have the resolve. But Novak seems to be in control of everything,” said the Aussie.
“He’s always had an amazing backhand, but his forehand is now world-class because he’s worked on it. He’s had troubles in the past with his serve, but he’s nailed it down pat.
“Physically, he’s got himself to an awesome level of speed, agility and endurance. And then he’s got this mindset where the more you push him and the harder you poke him, the better he gets.
“He’s got this siege mentality where he doesn’t care what the odds are against him or what the narrative is because he’s so complete on every surface,” said the Australian.
Masur, 60 has during his career won three ATP singles titles, 16 doubles titles and reached the semis at both Melbourne Park and Flushing Meadows before calling it a day in 1995. Having worked with Australian team as a Davis Cup coach in 2015, he currently works as a tennis commentator.