Novak Djokovic’s remarkable achievement at the Australian Open has drawn praise from tennis legend Monica Seles, as he matched her record of winning 33 consecutive matches at the prestigious tournament. Seles, an eight-time Grand Slam champion, expressed her gratitude on Instagram, acknowledging Djokovic’s dominance and record-breaking feats. She fondly recalled her own success at the Australian Open, where she secured three consecutive titles in the early 1990s.
Seles, born in Novi Sad, part of Yugoslavia at the time, expressed admiration for Djokovic, hailing him as a record-setter who continually pushes the boundaries of the sport. Despite the generational gap, Seles expressed a hypothetical desire to have played mixed doubles with Djokovic, envisioning it as a masterclass. Her gratitude and appreciation were evident as she encouraged Djokovic with a spirited “let’s go win AO” (Australian Open).
Djokovic, unaware of sharing the record with Seles until after his quarter-final victory against Taylor Fritz, reciprocated the admiration. He spoke warmly of Seles, citing her as one of his childhood idols and heroes. Djokovic reflected on the nerves he felt when meeting her for the first time and praised Seles for her remarkable career, particularly her success in Australia. He acknowledged the unfortunate incident Seles faced in 1993 when she was stabbed on court by a fan, expressing only positive sentiments about her.
As Djokovic faces Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals with the opportunity to surpass Seles’ record, the tennis world is abuzz with anticipation. Seles’ gracious acknowledgment and Djokovic’s heartfelt response add a layer of camaraderie to the historic achievement. The shared connection between these Serbian tennis icons transcends eras, underscoring the impact of their contributions to the sport.
In the ever-evolving narrative of tennis history, Djokovic’s pursuit of records intertwines with the legacies of past champions like Monica Seles, creating a rich tapestry that spans generations.