"Novak Djokovic is a self-made man, no PR" - Stefanos Tsitsipas' mother Julia claims why Serb is ahead of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer
Stefanos Tsitsipas' mother, former tennis player Julia Apostoli, recently shared her preference among Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. She also had a message for Djokovic's critics.
The GOAT debate among tennis' Big 3 has spanned decades, with each earning admiration from fans and prominent figures. Federer bid farewell at the 2022 Laver Cup, while Nadal’s retirement at the Davis Cup knockouts on November 19 marked the official end of this legendary rivalry.
Djokovic, with 24 Major titles—the most in the Open Era—remains the only member of the Big 3 still competing, with no clear timeline for his retirement.
Speaking to Russian vlogger Dychkovsky in a YouTube interview, Apostoli put the Serb ahead of Nadal and Federer. The 60-year-old praised Djokovic as a self-made player who rose to greatness while the Swiss and Spaniard were already established.
She believes that Djokovic's naysayers would need time to re-evaluate his achievements.
"Djokovic is a self-made man. No PR. In other words, he entered tennis when Federer and Nadal were at the highest level. They were already the fathers of tennis. And Djokovic was not a name, but over time, as time has shown, he proved that everything is possible. Those who condemn him will need time to reassess this," she said (translated from Russian via we love tennis).
"I am sad because my greatest rivals have left": Novak Djokovic reflects on the rivalry era featuring Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer
Like Nadal and Federer, Argentine tennis player Juan Martín del Potro recently announced his retirement. He played an exhibition match against Novak Djokovic at Buenos Aires' Parque Roca stadium, with the event titled "The Last Challenge".
During the pre-event press conference, Djokovic reflected on the end of an era that included Nadal, Federer, Del Potro and Andy Murray. He shared his sadness over the retirements of his long-time rivals.
"I am still playing and I believe I am part of a golden era. Federer, Nadal, Murray, Delpo, Wawrinka... it is a very special era for our sport. Our personal careers have been influenced by all these rivalries of the last 15 years. For me, looking at this year, it is an incredible thing. I am a bit sad because my greatest rivals have left," the Serb said via Punto de Break.
Djokovic expressed that the retirements of his rivals have left a void, but he remains motivated.
"A part of me, in terms of tennis, also leaves with them, but I continue to seek this motivation. Now I work with a new coach, one of my biggest rivals, who inspires me to see if we can achieve great things in our sport," he added.
Djokovic last competed on tour at the 2024 Shanghai Masters. He had a great campaign reaching the final where he fell to Jannik Sinner.