Should Novak Djokovic take a leaf from Lionel Messi and retire?
Now, Messi and Djokovic do have a lot in common. Both came from impoverished backgrounds and became the greatest ever to play their respective sports. Both were even born in the same year, just 33 days apart. Both chased dreams that seemed unattainable, with families who bet their futures on their children’s success. Both had similarly close paternal relationships and left home early to train. In…
Novak Djokovic, the tennis player with a record-breaking 23 Grand Slam titles, has been the subject of controversy and criticism from many people. Some op-ed columnists have even argued that he should retire, drawing parallels to the retirement of other sports legends like Lionel Messi. The article explores various aspects of Djokovic's career and personal life, highlighting his unique achievements and the reasons behind his unconventional behavior.
Much like Messi, Djokovic comes from a humble background, faced adversity, and achieved greatness in his sport. Both were born in the same year and shared similar experiences growing up. However, Djokovic's dominance in tennis is unparalleled, with only three other players from the 1990s winning Majors. This dominance has led to criticism, as some feel that Djokovic's achievements make it difficult for younger players to succeed.
Despite his incredible accomplishments, Djokovic has taken unique steps, such as refusing to succumb to COVID-era bullying and creating a rival players' organization. His refusal to undergo surgery and his refusal to accept the Russian-Ukraine War as the only global conflict are just a few examples of his unconventional approach.
As Djokovic enters the twilight of his career, the question of whether he should consider retirement has arisen. The article points out that while Messi's retirement after winning the Copa América and the World Cup in 2021 and 2022 is a significant moment, it does not necessarily mean that Djokovic should follow suit. The writer argues that Djokovic remains an elite contender and has reached the Australian Open final in recent years.
In conclusion, the article suggests that Djokovic should not retire, as his legacy as the GOAT (greatest of all time) remains unchallenged. The author emphasizes that winning the 24th Grand Slam title would still be the ultimate goal in tennis, and Djokovic is still capable of achieving this milestone.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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