Google News Ex-player identifies real motivation behind Novak Djokovic still wanting more success
by DZEVAD MESIC
Former Italian tennis player and current commentator Guido Monaco thinks Novak Djokovic is determined to achieve more success because he wants to further solidify his status as the greatest of all time in men's tennis. With 24 Grand Slams in his pocket, Djokovic owns the all-time Grand Slam record as he is two Majors ahead of Rafael Nadal and also has four more than Roger Federer.
While some think Djokovic's recent success is the undeniable proof that he is the greatest of all time, some are not yet ready to declare the Serb the GOAT. Reflecting on Djokovic's motivation at 36, Monaco suggested that the Serb may not be aiming just to beat Nadal and Federer in the GOAT race, but to also "overwhelm" them."
Monaco on what drives Djokovic to still play at the highest possible level
“He has this thing inside that he always had to prove more than the others, because he arrived later and the others were already idols.
He has a different story, he comes from another place in the world. You always have to put yourself in other people’s shoes. He has an ability to find motivation from many things and, despite having completed the comeback by overtaking his rivals, he wants to put even more space between himself and them to convince even the most reticent admirers of Federer and Nadal that he is the strongest.
Some will never admit it and they won’t be able to get everyone to agree, but in my opinion there is no longer any doubt that on a sporting level, Djokovic is the greatest of all time," Monaco said on the latest episode of TennisMania, via OA Sport.
Some argue that Nadal and Federer have done more for tennis as a sport and that they deserve to be placed ahead of Djokovic in the GOAT race. Monaco acknowledged that things like elegance, behavior, and impact are also important but highlighted that at the end of the day, the results are the most important thing.
"If it goes on like this for 2-3 years, he runs the risk of not only overtaking but even overwhelming Federer and Nadal," Monaco added.