Novak Djokovic is the GOAT and has made the biggest impact in tennis, believes Rohan Bopanna
Former doubles World No. 1 Rohan Bopanna believes Novak Djokovic is the greatest of all time in men’s tennis. During a recent interview, the Indian tennis player also highlighted the Serb’s consistency over the years.
Djokovic may not have won a Grand Slam this season, but he created history when he lifted his most recent Major trophy (his 24th) at the 2023 US Open. In doing so, he became the only tennis player in the Open Era, male or female, to achieve the feat.
Despite his Grand Slam drought in 2024, Novak Djokovic bagged the only big title he was devoid of in his career—the Olympic gold in Paris. With the victory, he "completed" tennis, having won each Slam at least three times and each Masters 1000 tournament at least twice.
In April 2024, he also became the oldest World No. 1 in ATP singles history, surpassing Roger Federer. Incidentally, at the time, Rohan Bopanna also created history, becoming the oldest men's doubles No. 1. During his recent exclusive with CLAY, the Indian tennis player shared his thoughts on the Serb's consistency and chose him as the men’s tennis GOAT.
"Novak Djokovic (is the GOAT). I think just the way that he's been so consistent over the years, I think it's just been incredible," he said.
"You know, even though I've been there with all the guys growing up for so many years, I think Novak has been someone who's really come through so many different barriers. And how consistent he's been. He is incredible," Rohan Bopanna added.
When asked about the player who “made the biggest impact” in tennis, the 44-year-old yet again pointed at the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
"Also Novak. For sure," he said.
Novak Djokovic congratulated Rohan Bopanna on becoming the World No. 1
Rohan Bopanna became the World No. 1 in men’s doubles for the first time after clinching his maiden Grand Slam in the category at the 2024 Australian Open. The Indian, who has won 25 other titles in men’s doubles, was aged 43 at the time.
Novak Djokovic took note of Bopanna’s incredible feat and congratulated him. He also sarcastically teased the veteran for achieving the status at “such a young age.”
"Congratulations Bops (Rohan Bopanna). Amazing effort. And to do it at such a young age. Even more impressive," he joked in his Instagram post.
After the Serb joined Bopanna as the oldest No. 1 (in singles), the pair created a video together, commending each other’s longevity.