Björn Borg declares Novak Djokovic the greatest tennis player
Swedish tennis legend Bjorn Borg has declared Novak Djokovic the greatest player in the history of the sport, ranking the 39-year-old Serbian superstar ahead of long-time rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Borg shared his assessment during an interview with Sky Sports, citing Djokovic’s enduring dominance and high-level play at age 38 and 39.
Borg’s Assessment at the Laver Cup
Bjorn Borg formed his evaluation from direct, firsthand experience while serving as the captain of Team Europe at the Laver Cup, where he worked closely alongside Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal. Speaking to Sky Sports last year while Djokovic pursued his historic career milestones, Borg expressed deep admiration for the player’s longevity.
“When I see how Djokovic plays, he is for me the greatest player who has ever played this game,” Borg stated. In the Swedish legend’s ranking framework, Federer and Nadal occupy the second spot jointly. Borg noted his astonishment that Djokovic maintained peak competitive intensity at 38, actively targeting a 25th Grand Slam title. “I know that he wants to win this 25th Grand Slam title. I hope that he plays at least one more year, because with this tennis that he plays, it will be difficult with Sinner and Alcaraz and some other players, but he can still do it,” Borg observed.
Recent Career Trajectory and Physical Challenges
The debate surrounding Djokovic’s status atop the all-time list arrives amid a transitional phase in his career following an early exit at the US Open in late August 2026. Playing in New York at age 39, the Serbian competitor suffered a first-round defeat against Mariano Navone in a gruelling five-set encounter.
During the match, Djokovic battled severe physical ailments, vomiting into a towel container on the court. Describing the experience to journalists afterward, he remarked, “It was obviously a terrible feeling on the court for me.”
Just days before the New York major, Djokovic addressed his professional future in his Prime Video documentary, “Novak Djokovic: The Wolf in Winter.” He avoided setting a definitive retirement date, emphasizing that he intends to continue playing as long as he maintains his internal drive, passion, and the competitive belief that he can win tournaments and remain among the elite tier of global tennis. Over recent seasons, Djokovic has strategically concentrated his schedule specifically on the Grand Slam events, which hold paramount importance in his career planning.
Current Rankings and Historical Context
Following his early exit at Flushing Meadows, Djokovic’s ranking sits at number twelve in the world, with his final year-end position yet to be determined. Meanwhile, leadership for Team Europe shifted at the Laver Cup 2026, where Yannick Noah assumed the captaincy role previously held by Borg.
Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.
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