Rick Macci, a legend in tennis teaching, has emphasized that Novak Djokovic is the best tennis player of all time because of his durability and resilience.

The American, who used to teach tennis great Serena Williams, claimed that athletes’ health is “the wildcard in any sport” and that it is taken for granted.

In addition to having miraculously won 12 of his 24 Grand Slams since reaching 30, Djokovic has remarkably avoided major injuries throughout his career, an unheard feat in this age group.

In 2023, the 36-year-old Serbian won seven titles, including three of the four Majors, and had one of his best seasons ever. Along with winning two Masters 1000 titles and the ATP Finals, Djokovic concluded the year as the ATP world No. 1 for the eighth time.

The world number one will play again this week at the Italian Open in Rome after missing the Madrid Open. Djokovic last competed in the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters.

READ MORE: A reputable tennis voice claims that Novak Djokovic has “stars aligning in his favor.”

In his first encounter at the Masters 1000 tournament, Djokovic will take on Roman Safiullin, where he is aiming for his eighth championship.

Novak Djokovic’s journey to a seventh Italian Open championship has not been an easy one.#ATP #IBI24 #Djokovic pic.twitter.com/zbBYMqybp1 #Tennis

May 6, 2024, Tennis365 (@tennis365com)

Djokovic talked on his incredible ability to stay at the top of tennis despite becoming older after winning his record-breaking 24th Grand Slam at the US Open in September.

At the Ryder Cup all-star game, he told Sky Sports, “I think I was fortunate to stay injury-free for the most part of my career and I focused a lot on the big picture, the long term and really invested in my body and my team. I just wanted to maintain the level for as many years as possible.”

“Because I knew I would have my chances to win the Grand Slam if that were to occur and if I could have a long career.”

“At thirty-six years old and still going strong, I don’t think that age affects me much. I’m hoping that I can still have a few great years at Grand Slams, especially since those are my top priorities and goals.”

After a 2024 Madrid Open marred by injuries, Macci emphasized the need to avoid physical problems in sports in a post on X and Twitter, and he gave Djokovic credit for his resilience.

Health is a given, but it’s also a wild card in sports. Examine the NBA. Consider the NFL. View the most recent ATP event in Madrid. Take a look at his total jaw-dropping DURATION stats to see why the JOKER is Mr. Goat and has garnered so much admiration.@DjokerNole

May 4, 2024, Rick Macci (@RickMacci)

“Health is a given, but in any sport, it can turn into a wild card. Examine the NBA. Consider the NFL. Examine the most recent ATP tournament in Madrid,” the American penned.

“Take a look at the overall staggering numbers of his tenure and you’ll see why the ‘joker’ is ‘Mr. Goat’ and has garnered so much respect.”

Macci has worked with five athletes who have attained the top spot in the world rankings at some point in their careers: Andy Roddick, Jennifer Capriati, Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams, and Serena Williams. Along with coaching Mary Pierce, Anastasia Myskina, and Sofia Kenin, the 69-year-old was also a WTA Major champion.