Marion Bartoli has identified Novak Djokovic as being both the greatest tennis player of all time and the best sportsman in the world after his historic ATP Finals triumph.
The former world No 7 declared Djokovic has “broken all the records in this sport” and highlighted the Serbian legend’s “incredible longevity in staying at the top.”
Djokovic was sublime in dismantling world No 4 Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-3 in the final of the 2023 ATP Finals in Turin last week to claim a record seventh title at the event, surpassing his great rival Roger Federer.
Prior to his win over the 22-year-old Italian, Djokovic had crushed his other young rival – world No 2 Carlos Alcaraz – 6-3, 6-2 with a stunning performance in the semi-finals.
The world No 1 has won seven titles in an amazing 2023 season, with six of these coming at Grand Slams, the ATP Finals, or Masters 1000 tournaments.
The 36-year-old triumphed at the Australian Open, the French Open and the US Open, while he lost in the final of Wimbledon to Alcaraz in five sets.
This is the fourth season of his career where he has won three Majors (after 2011, 2015 and 2021) and the third in which he has won three and made all four finals (after 2015 and 2021).
Djokovic has played just 12 tournaments this year, but has amassed an incredible 55-6 (90.2%) record and secured a record-extending eighth year-end ATP No 1 finish. He is the oldest player to win 55 matches in a season after turning 35 since Australian great Ken Rosewall in 1973.
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In a post shared on Twitter / X, Bartoli lauded the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s remarkable achievements and staying power following his ATP Finals victory.
Djokovic est non seulement le plus grand joueur de tennis de tous les temps mais il est aussi le meilleur sportif du monde. Novak a battu tous les records de ce sport 🎾 et surtout cette longévité incroyable à rester au top ! #respect
— MARION BARTOLI (@bartoli_marion) November 20, 2023
“Djokovic is not only the greatest tennis player of all time but he is also the best sportsman in the world. Novak has broken all the records in this sport 🎾 and above all this incredible longevity in staying at the top! #respect,” wrote the 39-year-old Frenchwoman.
Djokovic will conclude his 2023 campaign at the Davis Cup Final 8 knockout stage in Malaga, which will run from November 21-26 this week. Serbia will face Great Britain in the quarter-finals on November 23.
The 36-year-old is looking to help win a second Davis Cup title for Serbia, having led his nation to their only triumph in the history of the team competition in 2010.
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