One of tennis's most respected coaching figures has delivered a definitive verdict in the sport's most enduring debate, declaring Novak Djokovic the undisputed greatest of all time ahead of his legendary rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
The Coach's Verdict on Tennis's Ultimate Question
Patrick Mouratoglou, the celebrated coach who guided Serena Williams to ten of her remarkable twenty-three Grand Slam victories during their decade-long partnership, has provided compelling analysis that places Djokovic at the pinnacle of men's tennis history. Speaking candidly on the High Performance podcast, Mouratoglou addressed the perennial discussion surrounding the sport's three dominant figures who collectively amassed an astonishing sixty-six major titles during their fifteen-year reign.
Mindset Over Pure Talent
Mouratoglou emphasised that the crucial distinction lies not in technical ability or physical gifts, but in psychological fortitude. "People make the mistake," he stated. "They think it's about talent, weapons. It's nothing to do with that, it's only the mindset."
The coach elaborated on how Djokovic's mental approach separated him from his extraordinary competitors. While acknowledging Federer's genius and Nadal's physical prowess, Mouratoglou highlighted Djokovic's unparalleled professionalism and attention to detail as decisive factors.
"If you look at his game, Roger Federer's game, Rafa Nadal's game, he doesn't have half of what they have," Mouratoglou observed. "Roger is a genius; he has so many things. Rafa is a physical monster. If you think of Novak, he does everything well but he doesn't have anything outstanding. And he's the greatest of all time because he's the most professional by far."
Overcoming Established Dominance
Djokovic's journey to supremacy was particularly remarkable given the context of his emergence. When the Serbian claimed his first Grand Slam at the 2008 Australian Open, he broke a three-year streak where every major title had been won by either Federer or Nadal.
Mouratoglou recalled Djokovic's extraordinary self-belief during this challenging period. "He came into tennis at a time when Roger and Rafa were winning everything," the coach remembered. "All the other players were thinking it's impossible to win a Grand Slam. He came in and said, 'I'm going to beat those guys.'"
This confidence initially drew criticism, with some dismissing Djokovic as cocky. However, as Mouratoglou noted, the player later clarified his position: "He answered that later and said, 'I'm not cocky, I just have incredible confidence in myself.'"
The Legacy of the Big Three
The debate occurs against the backdrop of changing eras in men's tennis. Federer retired in 2022, followed by Nadal in 2024, while Djokovic continues to compete at the highest level at thirty-eight years old. The Serbian star recently faced Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semi-finals as he pursued a record-extending twenty-fifth Grand Slam title.
Mouratoglou's assessment rests firmly on achievements and approach. "Novak Djokovic is the greatest of all time," he asserted. "The discussion is because people are fans of other guys. But he is. In terms of achievements, he did more than any player in history on every level."
The coach's perspective carries particular weight given his experience guiding one of the sport's most successful female players to multiple Wimbledon triumphs and Olympic gold. His analysis suggests that while all three champions possessed extraordinary abilities, Djokovic's combination of mental resilience, professional dedication, and competitive longevity ultimately places him at the summit of tennis history.
