The greatest of all time is one of the biggest debates in sports and in tennis, it's between the Big Three, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic. Meanwhile, for this NBA legend, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is the greatest of all time.
NBA icon calls Novak Djokovic ‘GOAT’ of tennis
Shaquille O'Neal is all praise for Djokovic as the two sit together in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the Six Kings Slam. During their appearance at the Joy Forum along with the basketball legend and UFC chief Dana White, the former Los Angeles Lakers player stated that Djokovic is the “Greatest of All Time.”
Shaq, who has also played for NBA teams like Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics, said:
“I am sitting next to two icons Dana White and the Greatest, the GOAT of tennis.”
The former center continued:
“You know, it's a lot of names that you can put them in, but I’ve known this guy for a while. He is definitely GOAT.”
While speaking to his first encounter to Djokovic, Shaq further said:
“I remember the first time we met each other, he looked I looked, We didn't know each other. We just smiled and just gave each a big hug.”
The 53-year-old, who has played for six teams over his 19-year career in the league, continued:
“I was like, Oh my god, it's nice to meet you.”
Shaq called himself a fan of Djokovic and have been friends ever since the two met for the first time. The former NBA superstar, who played college basketball for LSU Tigers, said:
“Even though I am who I am, I am still a fan. So, I didn't know that the great guy from tennis knew who I was, so he looked at me and he is like, ‘Shaq’ and I was like ‘Djokovic’ you know who I am. He is like, ‘You know who I am’ and we just hugged and you know we have been friends ever since."
Meanwhile, the Six Kings Slam is into its second edition. The first edition was won by Jannik Sinner and the defending champion is back alongside arch-rival Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Taylor Fritz and Alexander Zverev.