Sam Groth: More than numbers in debate over greatest tennis player ever

The stats will probably soon say Novak Djokovic has won more Grand Slam titles than any other player. But you need more than that to be the best ever, writes Sam Groth.

To be the greatest is about so much more than numbers.

Success is important of course, but it’s also about what you do for your sport, how you behave and what legacy you leave.

In the case of Novak Djokovic, I think we can say he won’t ever be considered the tennis GOAT.

If this was purely about the numbers, then yes, one day Djokovic will be considered the greatest male player as his grand slam stats will surely overtake those of Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal. But he will never transcend this sport.

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Irrespective of the visa farce that has dominated the headlines this month, the idea that Djokovic will ever be considered the tennis GOAT above Federer, Nadal, Rod Laver and others leaves a lot to be desired.

Has he been part of the greatest era of all time? Yes, for sure. But it seems the further into his career Djokovic plays, the worse his reputation gets.

Nadal and Federer edging closer to retirement will do nothing to help his reputation, either.

I don’t think we will see Federer play again, but that doesn’t mean people are suddenly going to become Djokovic fans. And of course, recent weeks won’t have helped.

The numbers are on Novak Djokovic’s side in a debate about the best player ever. Picture: Michael Klein

Fact is, Djokovic has a strong supporter base, but he is not universally loved.

The criteria for this list wasn’t just stats; longevity and influence on and off the court were applicable.

Looking at the two above Novak, Serena and Roger will always be remembered as two athletes that went above and beyond for their sport. That seemingly did the impossible and inspired the incredible.

In the same way Tiger Woods transcends golf, these two are everything to tennis and always will be. They are the Michael Jordans of tennis. You can’t put Novak in the same breath.

Federer is rightfully sitting second. Serena Williams is incomparable.

Serena Williams has left a huge legacy in tennis and women’s sport. Picture: Michael Klein

In an era where sport became far more professional, to have been so dominant across multiple decades, how can you argue with that? She’s pure dominance.

She’s reinvented her game time and time again, but what she’s done off the court as an activist for equality is unbelievable. She’s shown so many minorities there are no barriers.

And she’s not alone in this off the court achievements, I think we have Billie Jean King too low, she should be top 10, no doubt.

Women’s tennis would not be what it is without BJK and Serena.

What they have both done cannot be underestimated and will never be forgotten.

That is the legacy of someone worthy to be called the GOAT.