Novak Djokovic backed to win 26 Grand Slams to thrash Nadal, Federer and end GOAT debate

Andy Murray compared to Novak Djokovic by McEnroe

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Novak Djokovic will eclipse the achievements of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer and establish himself as the best tennis player of all time in the next few years. That is according to men’s tennis legends John McEnroe and Mats Wilander, who have backed the world number one to dominate the Grand Slam events in the coming years.

Djokovic faces Matteo Berrettini in the Wimbledon final on Sunday for the chance to draw level with Nadal and Federer on 20 Major titles.

Federer, who has won eight of his Grand Slam titles at the All England Club, was dumped out in the quarter-finals by Herbert Hurkacz, while Nadal opted not to play following a demanding clay court season.

Swiss maestro Federer turns 40 next month and admitted that he was considering his future after his loss at Wimbledon and Nadal has faced more injury troubles since turning 35.

Djokovic has already won the Australian Open and French Open this year and has dropped just one set during his six matches at Wimbledon so far.

Aged 34 and in some of the best form of his career, the Serbian looks likely to move clear of the competition in terms of Grand Slam titles.

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“I’m going to say Roger Federer’s never going to win another one,” seven-time Grand Slam champion McEnroe said on BBC Radio 5 Live’s 6-Love-6 podcast.

“I think Rafael Nadal wins one more and Novak Djokovic is going to win four of five more, that’s my prediction.

“Obviously it depends on health and fitness, but that’s my prediction.”

Djokovic has always placed great emphasis on nutrition and fitness and Wilander believes that could help him prolong his purple patch.

“I think Novak wins the Golden Slam this year [all the majors plus the Olympics] so he will get to 21,” the Swedish seven-time Grand Slam champion said.

“I think he will win another three next year and two or three the following year, so I think he ends up on 25 or 26.

“Novak just doesn’t look 34, he looks mid-20s, he’s flying around the court. I’m with John on Federer and Nadal.

“But something could happen with Novak, you never know.”

Despite winning in straight sets, 7-6 (7-3), 7-5, 7-5, Djokovic was made to work hard to reach the final by Canada’s Denis Shapovalov on Friday.

Queens champion Berrettini is now the only man standing in his way of winning a third successive title at Wimbledon, following his successes in 2018 and 2019.

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