The Unmatched Legacy Of Novak Djokovic

When discussing the greatest players to ever grace the sport of tennis, the name Novak Djokovic inevitably rises to the very top of the conversation. His record-shattering career, incredible consistency, and mental toughness have rewritten what was once thought possible in the game. Holding 24 Grand Slam titles as of now, Djokovic has established himself as arguably the most dominant and complete player in tennis history. Yet, despite his extraordinary achievements, an ever-growing section of tennis enthusiasts believe he has been robbed of at least four additional Grand Slam trophies due to controversial decisions, harsh regulations, and systemic challenges that were uniquely imposed on him.

The belief that Djokovic should already have 28 Grand Slams stems from more than fan loyalty. It emerges from undeniable incidents where factors outside his control — disqualifications, pandemic restrictions, visa bans, and questionable tournament politics — stripped him of chances to compete or derailed his campaigns. This perception has transformed into a broader narrative: that Djokovic has not only battled his opponents on court but also battled the system itself.

The 2020 US Open Disqualification

Perhaps the most infamous example of Djokovic being denied a major title came at the 2020 US Open. Entering the tournament as the overwhelming favorite, Djokovic looked poised to extend his dominance. However, during a fourth-round match against Pablo Carreño Busta, frustration led him to hit a ball behind him in a moment that was neither aggressive nor intended to harm. The ball accidentally struck a line judge in the throat.

While tennis rules dictated that such an action must lead to disqualification, the strict enforcement shocked the tennis world. Many argued that the punishment, though technically correct, lacked proportionality. Djokovic had not acted with malice, and the incident was a freak accident. Still, the ruling removed him from the competition instantly. Fans insist that Djokovic was on course to win that title, which would have been another US Open crown in his collection. Instead, the title went elsewhere, leaving Djokovic’s tally a number lower than it could have been. For many, this incident represents the first “stolen” Slam.

The Australian Open Deportation Saga

Two years later, the controversy grew even larger when Djokovic was barred from competing in the 2022 Australian Open. A tournament he had practically owned, with nine titles to his name at that time, suddenly became a theater of political drama. Due to Australia’s strict COVID-19 vaccination entry requirements, Djokovic’s visa was canceled despite initial exemptions. After days of chaotic courtroom battles and international headlines, Djokovic was ultimately deported from Melbourne just before the tournament began.

The consequences went far beyond public embarrassment. The world number one was stripped of the opportunity to compete in a Slam where he was the undisputed favorite. With Rafael Nadal going on to win the event, Djokovic supporters argue that this was not just a personal loss but a seismic shift in the Grand Slam race. The absence of Djokovic gave Nadal the chance to pull ahead, altering history in ways that may never be undone. For fans, this represented a second major title effectively stolen by the system.

US Travel Restrictions And The 2022 US Open

The year 2022 did not stop testing Djokovic. Later that season, the US government’s travel restrictions prevented him from entering the United States because of his vaccination status. As a result, he was unable to participate in the US Open, another tournament where he was among the top contenders.

For context, Djokovic had reached the US Open final in 2021, falling just short of completing a Calendar Grand Slam. To be denied entry the following year, not because of injury or ranking, but because of political regulations, reinforced the feeling that he was facing battles no other top player had to endure. Fans were left with a bitter sense of injustice, convinced that Djokovic’s opportunity at another Slam was stripped from him. By most estimations, his presence in the draw would have made him a favorite to win. That absence, many argue, was another theft from his career legacy.

Wimbledon 2019 And The Hawk-Eye Debate

Though Djokovic actually won Wimbledon 2019 in one of the greatest finals in tennis history against Roger Federer, there remains debate around officiating decisions that could have swung the match. In contrast, when discussing “robbed” Slams, supporters often point toward Wimbledon 2021, where new pandemic protocols, shortened preparation, and crowd hostility weighed heavily against him. Some even claim that subtle shifts in tournament scheduling and enforcement of restrictions created conditions more favorable to his rivals.

The deeper grievance, however, lies in how rules and enforcement often seem harsher toward Djokovic compared to others. His disqualification at the US Open, his deportation in Australia, and the travel bans in the US are repeatedly highlighted as examples where Djokovic was singled out, making fans believe he has had to overcome not just opponents, but systemic bias.

The Narrative Of Systemic Resistance

Why does this perception exist so strongly? Part of it lies in Djokovic’s outsider status. Unlike Federer and Nadal, who were embraced early as global icons, Djokovic entered the scene disrupting the balance. He shattered the Federer-Nadal duopoly, challenging the beloved rivalry with his own brand of relentless competitiveness.

Media portrayals have often painted him as controversial, his passionate outbursts and unapologetic confidence in contrast to the polished images of his rivals. Over time, this led to the sense that Djokovic faced harsher scrutiny. Every misstep, whether on or off the court, became magnified. Fans argue that the tennis establishment — from tournament directors to media outlets — never fully welcomed Djokovic as the sport’s poster boy.

This perception reached its peak during the COVID-19 pandemic. Djokovic’s personal medical choices clashed with political mandates, turning him into a global headline far beyond tennis. While other players were celebrated for their stances or given leniency, Djokovic became the lightning rod for criticism. The result was not just public opinion turning but tangible consequences: missed tournaments, deportations, and stripped opportunities to compete for titles.

Fans’ Claim: He Should Already Have 28

When counting the missed opportunities, supporters argue convincingly: the 2020 US Open disqualification, the 2022 Australian Open deportation, the 2022 US Open travel ban, and at least one more Slam where conditions stacked unfairly against him. That makes four Grand Slam titles stolen, leaving Djokovic on 24 when he could realistically be holding 28 Grand Slams today.

If those titles were added, the conversation about the greatest of all time would be closed without debate. Even now, with 24 majors, Djokovic leads the men’s game, but critics still seek to place him alongside Federer and Nadal. With 28, the margin would be so vast that no argument could challenge his supremacy. For fans, this is not speculation but a statement of fact: Djokovic has been denied his rightful place by forces beyond the baseline.

Djokovic’s Response And Mental Resilience

What makes Djokovic’s journey even more remarkable is his ability to respond to these setbacks with extraordinary mental strength. Lesser athletes would have crumbled under the weight of disqualification controversies, deportation sagas, and constant media criticism. Djokovic, however, returned each time with renewed focus and resilience.

His victories after these incidents — whether reclaiming the Australian Open in 2023 or adding more majors in his thirties — highlight the remarkable depth of his competitive fire. For many, this resilience further strengthens the claim that he is not just the greatest player, but the toughest competitor in the sport’s history. To win 24 while fighting battles off the court only adds to the mythology of his career.

A Legacy Still In Progress

The debate around Djokovic’s robbed titles continues to fuel fan discussions, media commentary, and historical comparisons. Regardless of whether one agrees that he should already have 28, there is little doubt that Djokovic’s career has been uniquely shaped by forces far outside his control. His ability to remain at the pinnacle of the game despite systemic resistance speaks volumes about his greatness.

As his career enters its twilight years, every Slam he plays feels like another chance to add to his record, but also another opportunity for history to watch how the system treats him. For fans who believe he has already been denied four majors, the mission is clear: to ensure that Djokovic receives the recognition and respect he deserves, not just for his titles but for his perseverance against adversity.

Conclusion: More Than Just Numbers

In the end, the story of Novak Djokovic is not just about the number of Slams won. It is about the context in which they were won — a context filled with challenges, controversies, and obstacles that would have broken almost anyone else. To hold 24 Grand Slams under such conditions is extraordinary; to imagine what could have been if circumstances were fair only deepens the admiration.

For his fans, the truth is clear: Djokovic should already have 28 Grand Slam titles. Whether the official record books acknowledge it or not, the legacy of Novak Djokovic will forever carry the shadow of battles not just against rivals, but against the very system meant to celebrate him.