Former World No. 1 Jim Courier heaps praise on Novak Djokovic and calls his achievements undervalued

Novak Djokovic has once again scripted history as he won the Paris Masters by beating Daniil Medvedev. His win against Hubert Hurkacz in the semifinals guaranteed that he will end the year with the No. 1 ranking, therefore, becoming the first male tennis star to end several years with the No. 1 ranking.

The Serb broke the record of Pete Sampras who has ended six years with No. 1 ranking. Djokovic has held the World No. 1 rank for the maximum amount of time. It is currently 345 weeks and counting, he broke Roger Federer’s record tally of 310 weeks earlier this year.

Former World No. 1 Jim Courier highlights how dominant Djokovic has been in an era that had greats like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Courier feels that Djokovic’s achievements have been undervalued as he feels that the number of Grand Slam won takes major precedence over the dominant record as a World No.1.

I’ve been focused as I’ve watched this race develop between these three incredible champions still at it, the weeks at No. 1,” Courier told in an interaction with the Tennis Channel. “I think that that’s an undervalued asset as far as achievement goes. There’s too much weight put on the number of Majors, but weeks at No. 1 really speaks to the body of work, especially when you factor in that these three champions, Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, are all doing it largely at the same time.”

Courier highlighted how Djokovic has done tremendously well to match and even get past the likes of Federer and Nadal even though the Serb came later to tour than his rivals. It has been a sensational ride for Djokovic over the years, one that has continued even in 2021.

“It’s so remarkable that Novak has been able to track these guys down and now leapfrog them in a number of vital categories, seven-times year-end No. 1 and running away with the weeks at No. 1 as well,” Courier added.

Lastly, Courier wants Djokovic to be very selective of the tournaments that he is going to play. He feels that the Serb can prolong his career by picking and choosing his events. Courier wishes to see Djokovic and Nadal play as long as Federer has managed to play. He wants to see both of them in their 40s.