
Novak Djokovic became the all-time leader in men's singles Grand Slam titles with 24 after winning the US Open in 2023, surpassing Rafael Nadal's previous record of 23. Despite this achievement, discussions about his GOAT status continue.
Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
After spending his career chasing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, Djokovic finally pulled ahead with a 23rd major title, surpassing the record held by the Spaniard at the time.
He capped off that year with another Grand Slam win at the US Open, taking his total to 24.
The debate over who deserved to be called the greatest of all time only grew louder after that. But even then, at age 36 and coming off another major win, Djokovic wasnāt willing to take on that label.
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
When asked if he felt like the greatest ever, Djokovic replied: āWell, thank you. I mean, I donāt want to say that I am the greatest.
āIāve said it before, itās disrespectful towards all the great champions in different eras of our sport that was played in a completely different way than it is played today.
āSo I feel like each great champion of his own generation has left a huge mark, a legacy and paved the way for us to be able to play this sport in such a great stage worldwide.ā
āI leave those kind of discussions of who is the greatest to someone else. You know, I have, of course huge faith and confidence and belief, you know, to myself and for everything that I am and who I am and what I am capable of doing.
āSo this trophy obviously is another confirmation of the quality of tennis that Iām still able to produce, I feel.ā
Despite his record 24 Grand Slam titles, debates about GOAT status persist due to various factors, including comparisons with other tennis legends like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
As of 2023, Novak Djokovic has a total of 24 Grand Slam titles.
In 2023, Novak Djokovic broke the record for the most men's singles Grand Slam titles, surpassing Rafael Nadal's previous record of 23.

Mike Tomlin predicts Aaron Rodgers will return to the Steelers in 2026.
See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.
After securing his 23rd Grand Slam title, Djokovic said: āTruth of the matter is, and reality is, my body is responding differently, so I have to deal with more things physically than I have had maybe in the past.
āMaybe five to ten years ago I was recovering much quicker or, you know, just didnāt feel as much pain in the body and the beating that Iām feeling today.ā
While he hasnāt added another major title since winning the US Open in 2023, Djokovic has stayed competitive. He reached the Wimbledon final in 2024 but was beaten by Carlos Alcaraz for a second straight year.
In 2025, he made it to all four Grand Slam semifinals but lost out to Alexander Zverev, Alcaraz, and twice to Jannik Sinner.
This year, he reached the Australian Open final again but fell short once more against Alcaraz. But with the Spaniard missing Roland Garros through injury this time around, Djokovic may have a real opportunity to finally claim his 25th title at Roland Garros.
Read more: