Former footballer Jermaine Jenas feels Novak Djokovic will never match Roger Federer – even if the Serbian wins ‘way more’ Grand Slam titles.
Djokovic is currently playing at the French Open and looking to lift his 23rd major men’s singles trophy, which would see him surpass Rafael Nadal for the most in history, with both men currently tied on 22.
The 36-year-old is likely to end his career with the most Grand Slam titles with Nadal having not played since January amid long-term injury problems and recently confirming that 2024 is set to be his final year in tennis before retirement.
Federer retired in September having lifted 20 major trophies but Jenas feels the Swiss legend will forever be remembered as the greatest men’s player of all time.
‘It’s got to be Federer, surely,’ BT Sport pundit Jenas told Eurosport. ‘Djokovic has the numbers and that athletic ability, but for me when you’re looking at sport, that element of grace and what it looks like when you do it has to come into it a little bit.
‘The way Federer played, that backhand… ‘
When asked if Federer was akin to Lionel Messi and Djokovic was more like Cristiano Ronaldo, Jenas added: ‘It’s exactly what it’s like.
‘[Djokovic] is the numbers, robotic, relentless, and he’s definitely going to finish his career with way more Slams than anyone that ever has. But there’s something about watching Federer… elegance… the geezer didn’t sweat!
‘Nadal is one of those players who you can’t not love. He fights for every single point and you’d have his forehand. It was like he hardly held onto the racket.
‘It was mad Djokovic was able to wedge himself in there [between Nadal and Federer].’
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