Marion Bartoli is the latest to confirm Novak Djokovic as being both the greatest tennis player of all time and best sportsman in the world after his Turin Finals heroics.
The Frenchwoman declared Djokovic has “broken all the records in this sport” and hailed the 24-time major winner’s remarkable longevity while staying at the top in men’s tennis.
The legendary Serbian looked clinical as ever in overcoming Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-3 in the last week’s ATP Finals to claim a record-extending 7th title at the prestigious tourney as he get one ahead of his former rival Roger Federer who held the record of 6 titles.
Before his win against the World No. 4 in the final, Djokovic did a quick work of Spaniard World No. 2, Carlos Alcaraz whom he downed 6-3, 6-2 in one of the most anticipated semifinals of the season.
The 36-year-old has won seven titles during his stellar 2023 campaign including majors, year-end Championships and ATP Masters 1000 events. Djokovic had almost a clean sweep at Grand Slams as he clinched Australian, French and US Opens and only lost to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon in five sets.
2023 marks the fourth season of the legendary Serbian where he was sealed three majors, having achieved the same in 2021, 2015 and 2011. It is also his third season where he has won three GS titles and made all four finals – the other two being 2015 and 2021.
In a truncated schedule, Djokovic played just 12 tournaments during his 2023 campaign, but has gathered an incredible 55-6 (90.2%) win record and sealed a record-extending 8th year-end World No. 1 crown. Also, he is the oldest player to win 55 tour-level matches after turning 35 since Australian legend Ken Rosewall achieved those numbers in 1973.
In a post shared on X/Twitter after Djokovic’s triumph at the Turin Finals, Bartoli was all praise for the 24-time Grand Slam champion for his record-breaking achievements in unstoppable 2023 campaign.
Djokovic est non seulement le plus grand joueur de tennis de tous les temps mais il est aussi le meilleur sportif du monde. Novak a battu tous les records de ce sport 🎾 et surtout cette longévité incroyable à rester au top ! #respect
— MARION BARTOLI (@bartoli_marion) November 20, 2023
Since her retirement, the former World No. 7 has coached WTA star Jelena Ostapenko and also worked as an analyst and tennis commentator.
“Djokovic is not only the greatest tennis player of all time but he is also the best sportsman in the world. Novak has broken all the records in this sport 🎾 and above all this incredible longevity in staying at the top! #respect,” wrote the 39-year-old Frenchwoman.
The World No.1 will fold his illustrious 2023 campaign at the Davis Cup quarterfinal knockout state in Malaga, Spain. Serbia will face Great Britain in the last 8on Nov 23. Djokovic is aiming to guide his home country through a second Davis Cup title, having led the national to their only victorious run previously in 2010.