Could Novak Djokovic be crowned as the GOAT sooner than we expected?

Good things come to those who wait and that will certainly be Novak Djokovic’s mindset as he prepares to make his return to the ATP Tour.

After all that has gone on in Djokovic’s world over the last few months, the notion that he could be claiming the bragging rights as the greatest player of all-time at the end of this season seems hard to fathom.

Yet that could be the story playing out over the next few weeks as the blocks world No 1 Djokovic needs to assemble to cement his legacy at the top of the game are suddenly falling into place.

While some will suggest Djokovic’s legacy may always be tarnished by the circus he played a part in orchestrating as he was deported from Australia for his stance on Covid vaccines in January, what comes next could repair any lasting damage to his image.

History confirms that in the fickle world of sport, winners are forgiven for any indiscretions and while Djokovic may have given up hope of winning popularity contests with the world’s tennis fans, he has a big chance now to claim a much more important prize.

The tennis records Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have been chasing throughout their careers all have merit, with the most weeks at world No 1, the most Masters title wins and the chase for Olympic glory all measures that can be taken into account when assessing who should be viewed as the best of all-time.

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However, the one statistic that really counts is the tally of who ends up with the Grand Slams and while Djokovic is second in that race behind Nadal for now, it could all change very soon.