"I know how difficult it is"- Novak Djokovic cites Alexander Zverev as example after German's Wimbledon loss, says Majors are 'whole different animal'

Novak Djokovic recently opened up on the difficulties tennis professionals often face in their bid to win a Major title. The Serb cited Alexander Zverev, who exited Wimbledon in the fourth round on Monday (July 8), as a prime example of the above case.

Djokovic played the best match of his campaign at SW19 as he defeated 15th-seeded Holger Rune 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 to reach the last eight. Zverev, meanwhile, wasted a two-sets-to-love lead against Taylor Fritz, losing their Round-of-16 encounter by a scoreline of 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 6-3.

Novak Djokovic was asked during his press conference later about the pressure of winning Major titles and rising to the pinnacle of tennis. In response, the 37-year-old stated that he was "blessed" to have monopolized the sport, while sympathizing with top players like World No. 4 Alexander Zverev, who, in his opinion, had everything it takes to win a Major title.

"I've been very blessed to be in that position (winning Majors and being World No. 1), so I'm very proud of all the achievements," Novak Djokovic said to the media on Monday. "But I do know how difficult it is to climb to the top. Zverev, for example."

"He's a very good example of somebody who, when you see his results, when you see his game, and all he has done so far in the sport, he definitely deserves a Grand Slam title. Right? But you know, he was so close. Dominic Thiem in the US Open... played finals this year, was up against Alcaraz in Roland Garros."

The 24-time Major winner added that there was a significant difference between winning silverware at Major tournaments and other ATP events.

"Yeah, unbelievable players that never won a Slam," he added. "They deserved to do but it's just Grand Slams are a whole different animal in comparison to other tournaments."

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Novak Djokovic lists the "different levels of achievements" required to become a tennis legend

Novak Djokovic returns a ball at Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic also insisted that there were even bigger mountains to climb for a pro after they had won their maiden Major title.

"There are different levels of achievements in our sport," the Serb said. "The big one is how to win a Slam, then an even bigger one is how to be World No. 1, and then even a bigger one is how to be winning multiple Slams, and then even a bigger one is how to be doing that for years and be the No. 1 player in the world for multiple years. Most of the players don't achieve that over the course of their careers."

The Serb will next face ninth-seeded Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon on Wednesday (July 10). The World No. 2, who has yet to reach the final of a tournament this year, is currently in great form and will be hopeful of winning a joint-record eighth title at the All England Club.