Novak Djokovic chooses the best athlete between Lionel Messi, Tom Brady, Michael Jordan and more

Novak Djokovic is considered by many as the greatest tennis player of all time, having broken several records, including being the player with the most Grand Slam titles in the Open Era (24) and the man with the most weeks as World No. 1 (428). However, if the Serbian would have to pick the greatest athlete of all time, among legends like Lionel Messi, Lewis Hamilton, Tom Brady or Michael Jordan, he has a clear choice.

Speaking to the ATP Tour and Overtime social media team amid Monte Carlo Masters’ week, Djokovic played a game of picks among some of the biggest sport legends. The first pick was between Tom Brady or Michael Jordan.

“Oh, jeez. Man. I’m going to pick Tom, just because I have a personal relationship with him,” he explained. Then, he picked the seven-time Super Bowl winner over names like Floyd Mayweather, Conor McGregor, Usain Bolt, Lewis Hamilton and Michael Phelps.

However, when it came to choose between Messi and Brady, the Serbian legend changed his heart. “Sorry, Tom. Messi,” he said laughing. Finally, they asked to pick between himself and the Argentine star. “Messi,” he replied.

Djokovic and Messi recently met, while the star was competing at the Miami Open, in which he ended up runner-up to Jakub Mensik. “It was a very touching moment for me because it’s one thing that he comes, but then bringing his whole family, his kids, his wife,” he said about the meeting.

see also

Roger Federer’s former coach makes something clear about Novak Djokovic’s early exit from Monte-Carlo

What’s next for Novak Djokovic?

After failing in the early rounds in Monte Carlo, Djokovic is set to play again at the Madrid Mutua Open, which starts on April 23. The Serbien star won’t be seen in Barcelona and Munich, in which some of the Top 10 players will be participating.

Djokovic hasn’t won an ATP title since 2023, when he won the ATP Finals. However, he claimed the Olympic gold medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024. He is just one title away from the 100th title, to enter the selective club of male players who have crossed the 100 crowns: Roger Federer (103) and Jimmy Connors (109).