Casper Ruud compares Novak Djokovic and LeBron James

Novak Djokovic’s ability to still compete at the highest level is truly extraordinary and undoubtedly places him among the best athletes of all time. The Serbian legend – who has won everything a tennis player can dream of and has completed the game – has not considered retiring yet and loves to compete against opponents much younger than him.

The former world No.1 is trying to become the oldest player ever to win a Grand Slam title, but this feat is particularly tough due to his age and the consecration of two young champions like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz who are destined to make tennis history in the next decade.

The 38-year-old from Belgrade had the ability to raise his level in the Major tournaments in 2025 as well, but that was not enough for him to make tennis history once again. He has not played since the clear defeat against Sinner at the Wimbledon Championships and will return to action directly at the US Open, which will start on Sunday 24 August in New York.

Ruud pays tribute to Djokovic

Nole certainly made a risky choice by skipping the Masters 1000 in Toronto and Cincinnati, but his enormous experience allows him to handle all situations in the best way and no one will be able to underestimate a legend of his caliber in Flushing Meadows.

In an interview with ‘Overtime Tennis’, Norwegian ace Casper Ruud wanted to pay tribute to Djokovic: “Novak is the greatest athlete of any sport in history, yeah, in the history of sports. I don’t want to compare because it’s stupid, but if you take Novak’s athleticism next to Brady, Brady’s the GOAT don’t get me wrong, but I think Novak would crush him in most of the physical tests that you can do.

And then again LeBron would maybe crush Novak in certain physical, so I don’t know, but for me Novak is the greatest athlete that ever lived.”

The 24-time Grand Slam champion is expected to make his mixed doubles debut in NY tomorrow night.