Since his debut in 2015, Australian star Alex de Minaur has been hailed as one of the most interesting players in the ATP Tour. The 26-year-old has reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 6, winning nine ATP titles, as well as reaching the quarter-finals of all Grand Slam tournaments. Having faced Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, the Australian once shared his thoughts on who could be the greatest of all time.
“It’s no secret Novak’s level, it’s incredible, and he’s probably the GOAT if we’re honest,” de Minaur said ahead of their clash in the 2024 United Cup, which the Australian won comfortably 6-4, 6-4. It is, currently, his only victory over the Serbian star in four matches.
De Minaur’s stance is not rare, considering that Djokovic is the holder of several records, including being the player with the most Grand Slam titles in the Open Era (24). The Serbian also completed the career Golden Slam at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and he is the man with the most weeks as World No. 1 (428).
However, other young stars, such as Holger Rune, have a different stance on the GOAT debate. But, as Federer and Nadal have retired, Djokovic is the only member of the Big Three who can still add feats to his already impressive career.
While the Serbian didn’t have the best start of the year, retiring from the Australian Open semi-final due to a hamstring injury, as well as losing in the first rounds of Qatar and Indian Wells, Djokovic, now coached by former rival Andy Murray, is still set to try to add, at least, another major to his cabinet.
Alex De Minaur’s head-to-head vs the Big Three
The Australian star has faced all members of the Big Three. Against Federer, he only faced him once. The match took place in the 2019 Basel final, an ATP 500 event, which the Swiss legend won.
Against Djokovic, their meetings include the United Cup, the 2023 Australian Open quarterfinals, and the 2024 Monte Carlo Masters, with Djokovic emerging victorious in all three. De Minaur also withdrew from their scheduled quarterfinal match at Wimbledon in 2024.
Finally, De Minaur won two of his six encounters with Nadal. One of his victories came on clay in the Round of 32 at Barcelona, while the other was at the United Cup (on hard) in 2023.