In defense of Novak Djokovic: Why it is unfair to place Serb below Roger Federer in 'Greatest Athletes of the Century' list
ESPN announced their list of the 'Top 100 athletes of the 21st Century', which includes Serena Williams and Venus Williams along with the 'Big Four' of men's tennis. Roger Federer is ranked No. 6 while Novak Djokovic finds himself ranked No. 11, one place above his rival Rafael Nadal in 12th.
Djokovic being ranked outside the top 10 seems a bit harsh on the Serbian. The 37-year-old is still competing at the top level and has a chance to further improve his record. Djokovic has already moved past Federer in terms of a majority of tennis achievements, including the number of Grand Slams won by an individual.
With Djokovic ranked five places below Federer in the ESPN list, one wonders if the ranking is fair to Novak Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic deserves to be the best-ranked tennis player in the ESPN rankings
Novak Djokovic does not deserve to be outside the top 10 best athletes list by ESPN. The 24-time Grand Slam winner has won more Majors than Rafael Nadal (22) and Roger Federer (20). Furthermore, with Federer retired and Nadal on the verge of retirement, Djokovic is still going toe-to-toe with the best players in the world, competing for major honors.
Federer may perhaps have been given a higher ranking due to his overall contribution to tennis. The Swiss superstar brought an element of poise and grace to the game. His rivalry with Rafael Nadal elevated the global popularity of tennis, their exploits and on-court rivalry making headlines across the globe.
More than 70,000 votes from ESPN contributors helped create the ESPN Top 100 athletes list. However, if the list had been based solely on performance and records, no one would have come close to Djokovic. The Serbian has won more Majors and spent more weeks as the World No. 1 player compared to the three others in the 'Big Four', and has had the advantage in head-to-head records against them.
Djokovic has been the best tennis player since 2000, based on his achievements. The Serbian's longevity and dominance over a long period surely make him the best tennis player this century ahead of Federer and Nadal.
Serena Williams ranked No. 2 in the best athletes list...9 places above Novak Djokovic
It is hard to argue against Serena Williams' importance to the game of tennis. The American ace was the 'poster girl' of tennis worldwide throughout her career, winning multiple Grand Slam titles in both singles and doubles. Williams is one of the most decorated women's players of all time, with 23 Grand Slam titles to her name. She has been placed nine places above Djokovic on the list.
However, there is a case to be made for Djokovic to be above Williams in the ESPN rankings. The Serbian star competed against two of the greatest players of all time, in their peak, throughout his career. Djokovic didn't just compete against them, he was able to find his way to the top of the men's game by winning the most Grand Slam titles.
Djokovic has arguably won his Grand Slam titles in a more competitive era compared to Williams. Now 37, the Serbian is still going strong and can add more glory to his already illustrious trophy cabinet. Djokovic is chasing a historic 25th Grand Slam title, a feat no player in tennis history has achieved.
Djokovic finishing at No. 11 in the ESPN rankings undermines his unprecedented achievements in tennis. The Serbian has done more than enough in his career to be considered among the top 10 and should have finished above Federer due to his greater number of trophies compared to the Swiss. Djokovic has enjoyed a more successful career than his Swiss counterpart and that should have propelled him to a higher place in the ESPN rankings.