Novak Djokovic, currently holding 24 Grand Slam singles titles, has been told by veteran tennis journalist Steve Flink that he does not need to win a 25th major to solidify his status as the greatest of all time, particularly when compared to Margaret Court’s record. Flink argues that the context of Court’s 24 Grand Slam singles titles, many of which were won before the Open Era, renders a direct comparison misleading and that Djokovic has already surpassed her in the historical conversation of Grand Slam dominance.
The Pursuit of 25: A “False Target”?
Djokovic’s quest for a 25th Grand Slam has been widely reported as his pursuit of the outright all-time record, aiming to surpass Margaret Court’s 24 major singles titles. However, Steve Flink, a Hall of Fame tennis contributor, believes this focus is largely a “false argument” and a “false target” perpetuated by media narratives.
Flink highlights that of Margaret Court’s 24 Grand Slam singles titles, only 11 were secured in the Open Era (which began in 1968), with the remaining titles won in a period when tennis was not professional and competition levels were arguably different. This distinction is crucial for many tennis analysts who argue that comparing records across such different eras is problematic.
The Open Era Context
The Open Era marked a significant shift in tennis, allowing professional players to compete alongside amateurs in major tournaments, leading to a much stronger and deeper field of competition. Flink suggests that many of Court’s Australian Open victories, in particular, came against “very weak” draws because top international players like Billie Jean King or Maria Bueno often did not participate in those years. This, he asserts, allowed Court to “breeze through the draw in ways she never could at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, or the US Open.”
Djokovic’s Unrivaled Open Era Dominance
Novak Djokovic currently holds the record for the most Grand Slam men’s singles titles with 24. This achievement already places him ahead of his long-time rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, a milestone Flink believes was Djokovic’s true historical pursuit. Djokovic is also the only male player in the Open Era to have won every major at least three times.
His 24 major titles are also the most won by any player in the Open Era, surpassing Margaret Court’s 11 Open Era singles titles. This Open Era distinction is central to the argument that Djokovic has already eclipsed Court in terms of historical significance within modern professional tennis.
Margaret Court’s Overall Record
Margaret Court’s overall Grand Slam record is undeniably remarkable. She won a total of 64 Grand Slam tournament titles across singles (24), women’s doubles (19), and mixed doubles (21), which remains a record for any player, male or female. Her 24 singles titles and 21 mixed doubles titles are also all-time records. Court also achieved a calendar year Grand Slam in singles in 1970 and a mixed doubles Grand Slam twice.
Despite these impressive overall numbers, the discussion often centers on the competitiveness of the eras. While Court dominated her era, the argument from critics like Flink is that the depth of competition in the Open Era, particularly during Djokovic’s prime, presents a different challenge.
The Future of the “Greatest Of All Time” Debate
As Djokovic approaches his late 30s, questions about his physical condition and continued dominance against younger rivals like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have emerged. Despite reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon in 2024, some observers feel his body is no longer reacting as it once did.
However, the ongoing debate around his Grand Slam count, and its comparison to historical figures like Margaret Court, underscores the immense impact Djokovic has had on the sport. For many, his Open Era record and unprecedented achievements against the toughest competition in tennis history already cement his place as the undisputed GOAT, regardless of whether he adds a 25th major.
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