American ATP star Frances Tiafoe can’t get over his admiration for the Serbian tennis legend, Novak Djokovic. While the fraternity might think it’s because of Djokovic’s shining trophies, they would be wrong. Comparing Djokovic with Federer and Nadal—the titans of professional tennis—Tiafoe casts his vote for the Serb. As he explains his reasoning, it becomes clear why Djokovic is often regarded as the GOAT of tennis.

Tiafoe defeated Daniil Medvedev in the 2024 Laver Cup Group Stage yesterday. The American overpowered the former ATP No. 1 with a score of 3-6, 6-4, 10-5, setting up a match against Alexander Zverev today. After his victory over Medvedev, Tiafoe attended a press conference where he discussed his performance, the rise of US tennis, and more. During the conversation, this American ATP star made a surprising remark about Novak Djokovic that highlighted his fanboying over the Serbian legend.

“We kind of still played when Roger Rafael was still kind of elite and Novak, well, Novak is going to be elite until 70,” said Tiafoe. The American ATP star highlighted how Djokovic continues to perform at an incredible level at age 37. While Roger Federer has retired and remains one of the GOATs of the sport, Rafael Nadal’s form has declined in recent times, hinting at possible retirement. Meanwhile, Djokovic remains as fit and indomitable as ever, fulfilling his dream of an Olympic gold medal in Paris and continuing to impress his fans. This season alone, Djokovic has reached the semifinals of the Australian Open and the finals of both the French Open and Wimbledon.

Tiafoe’s compliment highlights how Djokovic maintained such remarkable form even as many of his peers have retired. Not only has Djokovic stayed active, but he’s also maintained a top-five ATP ranking, further demonstrating his dominance. Tiafoe has long respected Djokovic for his extraordinary mental toughness. After Tiafoe defeated Alexei Popyrin, who had earlier knocked Djokovic out of the 2024 US Open, he expressed his admiration for the Serbian star in a heartwarming way.

Frances Tiafoe called Novak Djokovic’s US Open presence “incredible” after the Serb’s Olympic win

When Tiafoe defeated Popyrin in the 2024 US Open, he was delighted. However, the reason was quite amusing. Tiafoe was delighted because he could defeat Popyrin, who overpowered a talent like Novak Djokovic. An extremely respectful Tiafoe to the Serb, said, “He’s done everything in the game. I mean, it’s incredible he’s even out here. Like if I did what he did after the gold medal, I’m staying in Serbia and I’m chilling, drinking like crazy. I mean, that’s why he is who he is right?” Tiafoe’s statement could echo his admiration for the Serb.

As Tiafoe prepares to face Alexander Zverev today, his supporters see great potential in him to carry forward Djokovic’s legacy. Whether he wins or not is a separate question, but his humility and respect for his senior players will undoubtedly take him to greater heights.