Novak Djokovic receives ultimate compliment from Rafael Nadal's uncle after US Open triumph
Novak Djokovic is the toast of the tennis world once again after beating Daniil Medvedev to win the US Open
REUTERS
Novak Djokovic has been called the 'best tennis player in history' by Rafael Nadal's uncle following his sensational US Open triumph on Sunday night.
The Serb secured a 24th Grand Slam title of his career by beating Daniil Medvedev in straight sets at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Djokovic's victory has put him firmly in front of both Nadal and Roger Federer, who have won 22 and 20 majors respectively.
And he's also drawn level with Margaret Court by having the most Grand Slams in the Open Era, too.
Toni Nadal has lavished praise on Novak Djokovic despite his allegiance to Rafael Nadal
PA
And Toni Nadal has now told ElDesmarque that Djokovic is the best tennis player in history.
“Djokovic is a great champion and it will be very difficult to reach him, not only for my nephew, but for anyone," he said.
“It's very difficult to determine who is the best in history…you have to opt for Djokovic because the titles support him.
Toni did, however, also admit that he's a huge fan of Federer.
“Although I think Federer has sometimes managed to play at an even higher level, I think in the world of sport if we go by the numbers, Djokovic is without a doubt the best," he continued.
Djokovic isn't interested in the GOAT [greatest of all time] debate, however.
The Serb only wants titles. And, rather ominously, he's not looking to quit tennis any time soon.
Speaking after powering his way past Medvedev, the 36-year-old said: "I'm going to keep going. You know, I feel good in my own body.
"I still feel I've got the support of my environment, of my team, of my family.
"The Grand Slams, I have said in the last few years, have been always the highest goal and the priority of mine in the whole season.
"I don't play as much in terms of other tournaments, so I try to prioritise my preparation so that I can peak in slams.
"These are the moments and these are the kind of emotions that I motivate myself with every single day when I'm not playing a tournament.
"Yeah, occasionally I ask myself 'why do I need this still at this stage after all I have done, you know? How long do I want to keep going?' I do have these questions in my head, of course.
"But knowing that I play at such a high level still, and I win the biggest tournaments in this sport, I don't want to leave this sport if I’m still at the top, you know, if I'm still playing the way I'm playing."
Djokovic first appearance in a Grand Slam final all the way back in 2007.
He lost to Federer at the US Open that year, going down in straight sets.
Ever since winning the Australian Open just months later, however, he's not looked back.
Djokovic has now won 24 of his 36 Grand Slam finals.
And his coach, Goran Ivanisevic, believes the world No 1 is a genius on the court and a 'born winner' as well.
"You are born [with that fighting spirit], he’s a genius. He is one of a kind," the 2001 Wimbledon winner said.
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Novak Djokovic kisses the US Open trophy after beating Daniil Medvedev in Sunday's final
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“There are not too many people in this world like him sport wise. And this is one of the biggest achievements in the sport history.
"We’re not talking about tennis, we’re talking generally in sport. And he’s a winner.
“He is the guy who is motivating himself. He had luck to have guys like Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer come before him, so they pushed each other. But he’s a born winner.
“And for him, when you tell him you cannot do something, it’s even worse. Then he’s going to show you that he can do it.
"And there are no excuses. He always tries to find a way, how to win, how to fight, even when he’s not feeling well, injured or not injured."
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