Andre Agassi: "Novak Djokovic has won more Australian Opens than I've won Grand Slams for crying out loud; What do you do but laugh?"

Andre Agassi believes one can’t argue with Novak Djokovic’s greatness when it comes to his records and achievements.

Four-time Australian Open champion, Agassi, recently landed in Melbourne ahead of the first Major of 2024. During his visit, the American spoke about Djokovic’s dominance at the event. The Serb has won the tournament a record 10 times, with his most recent title coming in 2023.

Andre Agassi, who has won eight Grand Slam titles, jokingly compared his Major tally to the Serb’s Australian Open heroics.

“Novak has won more Australian Opens than I’ve won Slams for crying out loud … What do you do but laugh? I don’t know what to say to that,” the former player said, as per CODE Sports.

He noted that Djokovic’s Australian Open record is monumental, just like 14-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal’s record on the Clay Slam.

“These are different numbers. It’s like talking about Rafa in Paris, right? I don’t understand it,” Agassi said.

Andre Agassi further pointed at the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s records outside the Majors.

Novak Djokovic is not only the leader in the number of Majors won by a man or woman in the Open Era. He also tops the list concerning the number titles lifted at Masters 1000s (40) and the ATP Finals (7).

Additionally, the Serb has collected a record eight year-end World No. 1 trophies, and is the longest-reigning World No. 1 in history, currently enjoying his 407th week at the top.

Djokovic also has a leading head-to-head record against his arch-rivals Rafael Nadal (30-29) and Roger Federer (27-23).

“There’s so many ways to look at it, but when you look at it on paper you just can’t argue with what he’s accomplished. The amount that he’s won, the head-to-heads, the Masters, the year-end No.1s, the weeks at No.1 … All those stats,” Agassi said.

---

"When I look at what people bring to the sport, Novak Djokovic has brought so much" – Andre Agassi on the Serb, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic pictured at Laver Cup 2022

In the aforementioned interview, while acknowledging Novak Djokovic’s accomplishments, Andre Agassi also hailed Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for their contributions to the sport.

“I’m such a traditionalist for the game itself … when I look at what people bring to the sport, he has brought so much, unquestionably,” he said about the Serb.

“You also have to look at what each have brought to the game and maybe not separate them in that aspect,” Andre Agassi added.

The American praised 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer’s class and elegance while also lauding 22-time Major winner Nadal’s intensity.

“You look at what Roger has brought to the sport: the elegance and the class and the way that he did it,” the 53-year-old said.

“And then Nadal, the intensity or the ballistic nature in the way he engaged with the game – all of these guys have broadened [tennis].”

Agassi then expressed his desire to see a healthy Rafael Nadal in action again.

“When it comes to on paper I don’t think you can argue against what Novak has done. Hopefully Nadal will stay healthy and have a chance to be at his best again, because that would be a win for everybody,” he said.

The Spaniard recently kicked off his 2024 comeback campaign at the Brisbane International, but suffered a muscle tear during his quarterfinal loss. He subsequently pulled out of the 2024 Australian Open.

Djokovic, meanwhile, is all set to bid for a record-extending 11th title at the event. He will start his run with a match against qualifier Dino Prizmic on Sunday, January 14.