Serena Williams’ former coach Rennae Stubbs thinks it is “dumb” to suggest Novak Djokovic needs to win another Grand Slam title to be considered the greatest tennis player ever.
The former doubles world No 1 claimed comparing Djokovic’s major tally to that of Margaret Court is moving the goalposts, but feels the Serbian will still be motivated to have the outright record.
Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slam singles titles, giving him the all-time record total in men’s tennis ahead of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, who are second and third with 22 and 20 majors respectively. He overtook Nadal with the three Slams he won in an amazing 2023 campaign.
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If Grand Slam singles titles from both men’s and women’s tennis are measured, Djokovic and Court are tied for the all-time record with 24.
If Djokovic secures his fifth US Open crown and 25th major at the 2024 US Open, he will stand alone for major singles titles. Many current and former tennis players, pundits and fans believe Djokovic is the greatest player in the sport’s history.
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Speaking on The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, Stubbs argued it is not important for Djokovic to surpass Court.
“Do I think he’s going to be up to win the US Open? Absolutely. Because that’s the one record that he still doesn’t have,” said the Australian.
“I tend to think that’s dumb — I don’t think he needs to win another Grand Slam to say, I’m truly the greatest male or female [player].
“He has one thing left and that is the ultimate Grand Slam major record at 25. Because we’ve got the old, you know, move the goalpost Margaret Court at 24, who won like 10 Australian Opens when nobody played. But he wants that record.”
Following his opening round US Open victory over Radu Albot, Djokovic spoke about his remarkable longevity.
“There’s not one word or secret that would describe it all. It’s just a way of life, way to approach my tennis career,” the tennis icon said in an on-court interview.
“I was fortunate very early on in my life to be surrounded by knowledgeable and passionate people who were kind enough to share their guidance with me for years and they taught me very early on that prevention equals longevity.
“Stretching. Warm up. Everything I do early on in my life will come back to me later in my career. The body is one part. The mentality and emotional, mental aspect is something on the other side. You’ve got to find the optimal balance between the two.
“I’m still enjoying myself to compete. I’m very self critical on the court. I get frustrated at times. At the end of the day, this sport gave me so much. Me continuing to play and giving 100% every time I step on the court is paying back to this wonderful sport.”