Former professional tennis player Jill Craybas recently offered her insights on the illustrious career of Novak Djokovic, in addition to the profound influence of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on the Serb’s ascent in the sport. Over the past two decades, Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal have collectively amassed an astounding 66 Grand Slam singles titles, thereby earning the moniker of the ‘Big 3’. While Federer has formally retired and Nadal has been recuperating from a significant injury, Djokovic has persisted in upholding his position amidst the emergence of new talent within the Next Gen.
In a guest appearance on the ATP Tennis Radio Podcast, Craybas expressed her deep admiration for Djokovic’s capacity to sustain his competitive edge in the face of incoming players. She drew parallels between his current predicament and his formative years on the Tour, emphasizing the role of formidable competition in propelling him to exert greater effort.
Craybas underscored the significance of rivals and idols in the professional journey of a player, highlighting their function as wellsprings of motivation and inspiration. Furthermore, she lauded Djokovic’s enduring fervor and his relentless pursuit of enhancing his performance, recognizing the formidable challenge of maintaining such intensity over numerous years on the Tour.
Notably, Craybas emphasized the roles of Nadal and Federer in propelling Djokovic towards his pinnacle, as well as the subsequent impact of emerging talents such as Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Holger Rune in keeping the Serb on his toes. She underscored that the aspiration for greater achievements is catalyzed by the presence of gifted young players who consistently elevate the standard.
Djokovic culminated the 2023 season as the World No. 1, after a year of remarkable triumphs at three of the four Grand Slam events and the ATP Finals. His resilience and steadfast commitment to excellence in the sport continue to establish a benchmark for aspiring and seasoned players alike.