WHAT HAPPENED?
Djokovic may be at the summit of tennis history, but when it comes to naming the greatest athlete of all time, the 24-time Grand Slam champion looks beyond his own accolades. The tennis superstar, who holds the all-time record for most Grand Slam titles in men’s tennis and has spent 428 weeks as World No. 1, took part in a light-hearted segment that challenged him to choose the GOAT between several global sporting icons.
WHAT DJOKOVIC SAID
Djokovic’s first choice was a tough one – Tom Brady versus Michael Jordan. And the Serbian leaned toward the legendary quarterback. “Oh, jeez. Man. I’m going to pick Tom, just because I have a personal relationship with him,” he said in an interview with the ATP Tour and Overtime media team, referencing the bond he shares with the seven-time Super Bowl champion.
In the early rounds of the game, Djokovic continued to back Brady over other sports stars, including boxing champion Floyd Mayweather, MMA icon Conor McGregor, Olympic sprint king Usain Bolt, F1 sensation Lewis Hamilton, and swimming legend Michael Phelps.
However, the tide turned when Lionel Messi entered the equation. When forced to choose between Brady and the Argentine football genius, Djokovic didn’t hesitate. “Sorry, Tom. Messi,” he laughed, signalling a clear change of heart.
The final twist in the game saw Djokovic presented with the ultimate test: Messi or Novak Djokovic? Without blinking, the Serbian star once again named Messi.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Djokovic’s admiration for Messi appears to go beyond mere fandom. The two recently met in Miami while Djokovic was competing in the Miami Open, where he finished as runner-up to Jakub Mensik. Recalling the encounter, Djokovic was visibly touched by the gesture Messi made.
“It was a very touching moment for me because it’s one thing that he comes, but then bringing his whole family, his kids, his wife,” he said.
WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?
As Djokovic continues to battle for dominance on the tennis court, Messi is set to return to action for Inter Miami. The World Cup winner will be back in MLS play when Inter Miami face the Columbus Crew on Saturday evening.