The history of tennis is marked by the greatness of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal y Novak Djokovicbut those who arrived later did not have it easy. Daniil Medvedevone of the most prominent names of the new generation, was encouraged to put an end to the eternal debate and chose, without hesitation, the best tennis player of all time. His response came in one of the most special moments of his career and made clear the deep admiration he feels for one of his greatest rivals.
The Russian said it publicly for the first time after winning the US Open 2021his only one Grand Slamwhen he imposed with forcefulness in the final no less than before Novak Djokovic. In front of thousands of fans and with the trophy in their hands, Medvedev surprised with an unforgettable statement: “I never told anyone, but I will say it today: you are the best tennis player in history”directing directly to Serbian, which had remained one step away from a historical feat.
The Grand Slam that denied Djokovic
That final had a huge symbolic burden. Djokovic He came to conquer Australia, Roland Garros y Wimbledonand sought to keep the US Open to complete the four Grand Slams In the same year, something that no man achieved since 1969. However, Medvedev defeated him by 6/4, 6/4 and 6/4preventing him from reaching that feat. Despite having been his sports executioner, the Russian chose that same stage to surrender to the Serbian legend.
The sincerity of his words impacted his own and strangers. Instead of celebrating only his victory, Daniil used the media focus to honor the one who considers number one. His gesture was celebrated throughout the world of sport, even for those who continue to bank Nadal or Federer as the greatest exponents of modern tennis.
Medvedev in front of Big 3: A uphill road
Throughout his career, Medvedev He faced the three colossi of tennis. Against Federerhe played three games and fell into everyone. With Nadal It also cost him: the faces were seen six times, with five wins of Spanish. His only victory came in the semifinal del ATP Finals 2021. In front of Djokovichowever, the numbers are more even: 15 games, the Russian won five, although the Serbian beat him in ten, including several important finals.
-This competitive tour was what led Medvedev to form a firm and foundation opinion. Face and beat Djokovic in one of the most important scenarios of the circuit reinforced his conviction: the Serbian, according to his gaze, is above all others, even of the Swiss and Spanish myths.
Sampras was also overwhelming: “There is no comparison”
Not only Medvedev believes that the throne of tennis already owns. Another historical figure as Pete Sampras He joined the discussion with an opinion that also inclined the balance. For the American, Djokovic’s legacy has no rival: “There is no comparison, what has done in the last 10 years is a clear sign that it is the best of all time”he said in 2021, when the three members of Big 3 were tied with 20 Grand Slams each.
The statistics that support Serbian
Sampras remarked that the success of Djokovic It goes far beyond the titles. The consistency Over time it is what he values most in the Serbian, who managed to impose himself on his contemporaries and also resisted the progress of new generations such as Medvedev. The numbers do not lie: 24 Grand Slam titles, 428 weeks as world number onea record of 16,950 ATP points In a single season and Eight seasons as number one of the year. A record that seems impossible to match.
With Federer and Nadal already retired, and Djokovic still competing, although with ups and downs, more and more voices of the circuit are encouraged to choose the Goat. And if something is clear over time, it is that those who faced it in their own flesh are the ones that most value their domain.
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