Novak Djokovic has spent an astonishing 428 weeks at the top of the tennis world rankings while accumulating an almost impossible-to-break record of 24 Grand Slam titles since turning pro in 2003. In 21 years, Novak has risen to amass immortality in the great sport of tennis. So, why does no one like him? And, should a distaste for the man decrease his chances of the best-to-ever play recognition?

Of course, ‘no one’ is an exaggeration, and many tennis fans worldwide love Djokovic—unless you hail from London, that is. Nevertheless, it seems that Djokovic receives a lot of vitriol and, for lack of a better partnering term, hate.

For the better part of two decades and extending into the future, Djokovic’s career has and will be intertwined with the sensational careers of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. For a time, Federer was extolled as the greatest to ever play. But Nadal continued to win every French Open Major and others until he eventually surpassed Federer’s 20 majors with 22 of his own. Nadal then became the best to ever play for many. Now, boasting 24 majors to his name, Novak is undisputed in accolades and accomplishments. However, this is not undisputed in fan feeling or opinion.

Many disregard Djokovic as the best tennis player ever because they simply don't like him or his style of play. This train of thought is irrational, illogical, and short-sighted. He's a legend but plays a boring game. He's an incredible athlete but lacks flash. He's a champion over and over again but offers no entertainment. He's the consummate competitor, a winner if there ever was one, but he can't be the best of all of them—the greatest of all time. Why? Well, I just don't like him. As I said—irrational, illogical, and short-sighted.

The grand heights of his achievements—achievements that have now surpassed any tennis legend or “almost” GOAT we have seen. His 24 Grand Slam titles speak for themselves—a number that may never be touched—and his absolute domination over time should be the determining factor in this debate. His combined record of 57–52 over Federer and Nadal adds further convincing piece to the conversation. Remember, it was supposed to be Roger versus Rafa for the next twenty years back in the mid-2000s—we couldn't wait. Then, suddenly, Novak burst onto the scene and kiboshed that dream. We were still graced with the Fed/Rafa rivalry; it's just that Novak wanted in, got in, and ran with it, lock, stock, and barrel.

To submit a personal adage, I always considered Roger Federer the best ever. His game was beautiful and elegant—so smooth and so calm. I still think this today. Still, I will not argue with the person who holds the same sediments toward Djokovic’s greatness and dominance. I can’t argue; what foundation do I have to stand on? Djokovic has everything and more than Federer or Nadal.

Having just recently played in the Wimbledon finals, although coming up short against Carlos Alcaraz, it’s clear that Djokovic can still compete at the highest of levels (proven at the recent Olympic games). It should be no surprise if he were to be victorious in Flushing Meadows in September, possibly beating Alcaraz this time around. Novak’s winning ways might not be over just yet.

Perhaps Djokovic’s reputation with fans and tennis fanatics was never designed to be anything different than it is—vetoed from the very beginning, considering the love and admiration shown for Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal throughout the years. Still, from peering through the proverbial glass into his personal trophy case, Djokovic should be considered the very best to ever play tennis. He’s more than earned that nod of entitlement, like him or not.