Not even the youngest: Novak Djokovic and the Grand Slam record hunt
Who will have the most Grand Slam titles at the end of their career - Roger Federer , Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic ? It's one of the bigger questions in world tennis. One thing is surprising, however.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Feb 22, 2021, 01:56 pm
Novak Djokovic won his 18th Grand Slam title on Sunday, only two major wins separate him from the record holders Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal (20 each). And the experts? See the Djoker at the end in front. The argument: Djokovic is the youngest member of the GOATs.
That's right: Federer (birthday: August 8, 1981) is 39, Rafael Nadal (June 3, 1986) is 34 - and Djokovic (May 22, 1987) is only 33. The time? Seems on the Djoker's side.
Or something on Nadal's? That's what it looks like if you take a closer look.
And that's what Twitter mathematician @JeuSetMaths did. And the question was raised: Which of Federer, Nadal or Djokovic was the youngest to win a respective major tournament?
You can't learn to be young
Rafael Nadal: In 2005 he won one of the biggest tournaments in Paris for the first time, at the age of only 19 years and 2 days. Federer, on the other hand, was already 21 years, 10 months and 28 days old when he won Wimbledon in 2003; Djokovic at the Australian Open triumph in 2008: 20 years, 8 months and 5 days.
And Nadal remained "youngest" until the 10th title.
From title number 11 onwards, Federer was first in the senior race at the age of 25 years and 11 months (Wimbledon victory 2007); the Swiss held himself harmless in this balance until his 17th title (Wimbledon 2012).
Since title number 18, Nadal has been at the top again, with 33 years and 6 days (French Open victory 2019).
And Djokovic? Was never the youngest - yesterday, Sunday, in the 18th major victory, after all, already 33 years, 8 months and 30 days old.
A sign? Pointless arithmetic games? Or a view? We don't know either.
Conclusion, however: The trump cards in hand, as far as age alone is concerned, does not seem to have the Djoker - but Rafael Nadal!