Novak Djokovic's best level is better than Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal - Andrew Castle
Spoiler:
NOVAK DJOKOVIC has played the highest standard of tennis ever seen.
That is the view of BBC tennis analyst Andrew Castle.
In January, Djokovic played one of the best matches of his career to defeat Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final.
It was a devastating performance against his great rival, dropping just eight games in two hours and four minutes.
Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have all enjoyed separate spells of domination but as a trio have taken the game to new heights.
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And speaking ahead of Djokovic's Wimbledon quarter-final against David Goffin, Castle said the world No 1 had moved tennis beyond anything he had ever seen.
"When you think about who has played the best tennis of all time, not who is the best, 15, 18, 20 Grand Slams, we know we are in a great era," Castle told the BBC.
"When you think who has played the best tennis, I think Novak has elevated the game over the last few years beyond anything I've ever seen before.
"I adore, Roger, Rafa, Andy, Stan and everyone else.
Andrew Castles
Andrew Castles was full of praise for Novak Djokovic (Image: BBC)
"But for me, the performance at the Australian Open in the final was simply the highest standard of tennis I've ever seen."
After reaching the last eight, Djokovic was asked about the dominance he's had with Nadal and Federer and the 15-time Grand Slam champion said their dedication was key.
"Look, you know, I think we are working as hard as anybody really to be there," he told reporters.
"I think the experience we have helps confidence, everything that we have achieved in our careers obviously we carry onto the court, then most of the players feel that, feel pressure.
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"For us it's another match on the center stage that we've experienced so many times. I think that's one of the reasons why we, I guess, feel comfortable being there and managing to play our best consistently.
"Now, after that, it takes hours of training, preparation, recovery. It's a lifestyle really. Dedication truly pays off. I guess each one of us top three guys is different, but I think we share that in common, that we just love the game and we are very dedicated to it.
"We have high aims all the time. I don't think any one of us plays for fun or to just be part of the tour. We play there to be the best in the world. I think competitiveness between us has escalated over the years, has brought us to that level where we are still competing.
"It's great that I'm one of these three guys and still very successful. We talked about it many times, of course, that you see new faces in sport. Young guys will eventually replace us at the top spots of the world. This is going to happen? When? Hopefully not too soon, but it's going to happen.
"I guess we don't want that to happen soon, so... Eventually one day, I guess."
