Tennis journalist Steve Flink and others argue that Novak Djokovic has already surpassed Margaret Court’s Grand Slam record, asserting that the pursuit of a 25th major title to explicitly eclipse her overall count is a “false argument” and “false target.”
Djokovic currently holds 24 Grand Slam singles titles, a record in men’s tennis and tied with Margaret Court for the most singles majors in tennis history across both men and women. However, a significant portion of Court’s 24 singles titles were won before the Open Era (which began in 1968), when the professional landscape of tennis was vastly different and many top players did not participate in all Grand Slams.
The Open Era vs. Amateur Era Debate
Margaret Court amassed a remarkable 24 Grand Slam singles titles, 19 women’s doubles titles, and 21 mixed doubles titles, totaling a record 64 Grand Slam events. However, critics highlight that 13 of her 24 singles majors were won during the amateur era, prior to 1968. During this period, competition levels, particularly at the Australian Open, were often considered weaker, with many international top players opting not to travel due to the remoteness of the location, inconvenient scheduling, and lower prize money.
In contrast, Novak Djokovic’s 24 Grand Slam singles titles have all been achieved in the Open Era, characterized by heightened professionalism, global participation from the sport’s elite, and best-of-five-set matches for men. This distinction leads many to believe that Djokovic’s achievement already holds greater weight in the modern context of tennis.
Djokovic’s Unparalleled Open Era Achievements
Djokovic’s 24 major singles titles represent the most by any male player in history and the most by any player in the Open Era, surpassing Serena Williams’ 23. He has won the Australian Open a record 10 times, and is the only man to achieve a triple Career Grand Slam, winning all four majors at least three times. He is also the only male player to have held all four major titles simultaneously across three different surfaces, and the only player to complete a Career Golden Masters (winning all nine ATP Masters tournaments).
The narrative surrounding Djokovic’s pursuit of a 25th major is largely driven by media comparisons to Court’s overall record. However, for many experts, including Steve Flink, the comparison is flawed due to the stark differences in the eras and competitive environments.
The Current Landscape and Future Prospects
Despite his age (38), Djokovic continues to compete at the highest level, though he has acknowledged the increasing physical toll. He has expressed a desire to play for “several more years” and maintains high ambitions, including winning a 25th Grand Slam. Wimbledon is often cited as his best opportunity to achieve this milestone, given his past success and comfort on grass courts.
However, the rise of younger talents like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner presents significant challenges. Djokovic himself has admitted that playing best-of-five-set matches is becoming increasingly difficult physically, stating he sometimes feels like he’s going into matches with “half a tank of fuel” against these younger, sharper opponents.
Regardless of whether Djokovic secures a 25th Grand Slam title, many in the tennis world contend that his dominance and achievements within the Open Era have already cemented his status as the sport’s greatest.
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