I've noticed that Djokovic fans have been critical of the (prior) successes of Federer and Nadal. They are so eager to compare Nole's current form with what many have thought were peak Federer (2006)/Nadal (2008). I think I have an explanation for this.
It's because when Fedal won their maiden slam, their careers propelled forward at a lightning pace (both have won at least a slam a year since their maiden slam). On the other hand, after Djokovic's maiden slam in Australia in 2008, he became largely irrelevant in the slams for the next three years. He lost to the likes of Safin (grass), Kohlschreiber, Melzer, Hass, Berdych, Roddick, and Tsonga. Many were wondering if he'd ever win a slam again. What should have been the start of consistent slam victories (due to his obvious talent), he struggled during some prime tennis years, during the years (in age) when Fedal were winning multiple slams a year.
And like it or not, when the GOAT is under discussion, it always goes back to the slam count. At his age, It will be very difficult for Djokovic to amass double digits in this regard. And I think one needs to be well into double digits to be a GOAT contender.
So, are Djokovic fans eager to compare Nole 2011 vs Federer (2006)/Nadal (2008), and to argue which player was better at their peak, because at the end of the day, this is where they'll have to hang their hat (so to speak), and not each players respective slam count?
It's because when Fedal won their maiden slam, their careers propelled forward at a lightning pace (both have won at least a slam a year since their maiden slam). On the other hand, after Djokovic's maiden slam in Australia in 2008, he became largely irrelevant in the slams for the next three years. He lost to the likes of Safin (grass), Kohlschreiber, Melzer, Hass, Berdych, Roddick, and Tsonga. Many were wondering if he'd ever win a slam again. What should have been the start of consistent slam victories (due to his obvious talent), he struggled during some prime tennis years, during the years (in age) when Fedal were winning multiple slams a year.
And like it or not, when the GOAT is under discussion, it always goes back to the slam count. At his age, It will be very difficult for Djokovic to amass double digits in this regard. And I think one needs to be well into double digits to be a GOAT contender.
So, are Djokovic fans eager to compare Nole 2011 vs Federer (2006)/Nadal (2008), and to argue which player was better at their peak, because at the end of the day, this is where they'll have to hang their hat (so to speak), and not each players respective slam count?