Novak Djokovic Ranked the 5 Greatest Tennis Players of All-Time

Novak Djokovic once offered an interesting verdict when asked to rank the five best tennis players in history, including his greatest rival, Rafael Nadal.

The Serb is the most decorated tennis player of all time, with an astounding record of 24 Grand Slam titles won during his illustrious career. He is also the only player ever to win each Grand Slam at least three times, and his longevity is astounding as he remains the last of the ‘Big Four’ still competing as of summer 2025.

Djokovic has spent much of his career battling Nadal and Roger Federer, two icons he knows all too well. His rivalries with the pair defined an era, but they are not the only two legendary names from the Open Era DAZN asked him to rank back in March 2025.

5

Andy Murray

Most tennis players, pundits, and fans have a difficult time deciding on the fourth name to sit on the Mount Rushmore of competitors to dominate the sport during the mid-2000s and 2010s. There are three obvious names that must be included, but the fourth stirs up plenty of debate.

While the likes of Stan Wawrinka and Juan Martin del Potro deserve recognition, it’s hard to look past Andy Murray’s accomplishments. If his time at the top didn’t coincide with a certain trio’s, the Scot would likely receive more plaudits for his extraordinary exploits on the court.

Murray won three Grand Slam titles, including his heroic Wimbledon wins in 2013 and 2016, the first coming after a 6–4, 7–5, 6–4 win over Djokovic on Centre Court. He claimed the US Open title in 2012 and reached 11 Grand Slam finals, most of which came against the Serbian and Federer.

Djokovic quickly moved to make Murray his coach back in November 2024 after the Scot retired, and while this lasted only six months, it was clear why the decision was made. He said:

4

Andre Agassi

Djokovic ranked Andre Agassi fourth on his blind ranking list and justifiably so, given the American won eight Grand Slam titles. He was monstrous on the hard court, as evidenced by four Australian Open triumphs. He also won the Wimbledon trophy in 1992 and was one of only five men in the Open Era to have won all four majors.

Agassi only played against Djokovic once during his career, as he was passing the torch by the time the Serb arrived on the scene. His last French Open appearance saw him lose 6-2, 6-3, 6-3, and he retired at the US Open before, like Murray, becoming Nole’s coach in 2017.

Djokovic spoke highly of how he was following in Agassi’s footsteps:

3

Pete Sampras

If it wasn’t for Pete Sampras, who knows whether Djokovic would have taken up the sport, that’s how influential the iconic American was. He was a master of the serve and volley with the mental toughness of the legendary duo, a trait they both have shared during their respective careers.

Sampras thrived in high-pressure situations, which helped him on his way to becoming a 14-time Grand Slam champion, winning Wimbledon seven times. Pistol Pete’s ability to constantly come out on top in crucial periods of matches was studied by Djokovic.

That likely includes his 2000 Wimbledon final victory over Pat Rafter to become a then-record-setting 13-time Grand Slam champion. But Novak had watched him win his first of his seven Championship titles with a 7–6, 7–6, 3–6, 6–3 win over Jim Courier in the 1993 final.

Djokovic once recalled:

2

Roger Federer

The greatest Wimbledon player in history is Roger Federer, whose all-round game was untouchable when at his peak. The Swiss was class-personified, playing his tennis with effortless elegance and efficiency, especially on grass court.

Nobody has won more Wimbledon singles titles than the eight Federer claimed, although Djokovic was his kryptonite in all three of their All England Lawn Tennis Championship finals. He won 20 grand slams during his career, and his astounding longevity saw him play into his forties before retiring in September 2022.

Federer was also the ultimate professional whose legacy in the sport is insurmountable, adored by anyone associated with tennis. That includes Djokovic:

1

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal is the best of the bunch according to Djokovic and the Serb hasn’t faced anyone else more times than the King of the Clay. Their rivalry was that of a Hollywood blockbuster as two titans went to war on the world stage with differing play styles to keep fans enthralled.

While Djokovic beat Nadal 31 times in their 60 meetings, he had no doubts that coming up against the Spaniard was a losing game should he be on top form:

Nadal won 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 French Open singles titles, a feat unmatched by any other competitor to take to Court Philippe-Chatrier. He also has two Wimbledon trophies in his glittering trophy cabinet, celebrated as one of the most complete players in history.

Djokovic waxed lyrical about Rafa’s legacy: