"Never seen the degree that Novak Djokovic does it" - Mark Philippoussis explains what sets Serb apart from Rafael Nadal & Roger Federer

Former Australian tennis pro and coach Mark Philippoussis recently talked about what sets World No. 1 Novak Djokovic apart from his two arch-rivals, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

The debate over who the greatest player of all time is has long been a topic of discussion in the tennis world and Djokovic, Nadal and Federer undoubtedly stand out from the rest in this discussion.

The trio has a whopping 66 Grand Slam titles between them. The Serb leads the way with 24, with the Spaniard just two behind him. The Swiss, who retired last year, is two Majors behind Nadal.

While all three are brilliant in their own right, according to Mark Philippoussis, it is Novak Djokovic who has brought competitiveness, mental strength, and physical fitness to new heights.

"As incredibly professional as you've seen Rafa (Nadal) be or (Roger) Federer, where they're competing and making sure that they're going into Grand Slams mentally and physically the fittest, Djokovic (has) taken that to a level and it's just amazing," Philippoussis said in an interview, as quoted by Yahoo Sport Australia.

The Aussie remarked on how 'incredible' it was to witness the 36-year-old's title win at the 2023 US Open, adding that he hadn't seen a professional of his caliber to date.

"He was incredible to watch at the US Open. If he's got a practice court at one o'clock, he's in the gym by 11 o'clock. He's walking onto the practice court already sweating. He finishes his training, he's into his drinks and his eating and everything is exactly in place where it needs to be," Mark Philippoussis said.

"I haven't seen a professional like that. There's been a lot of amazing professionals but I've never seen the degree that Djokovic does it," he added.

Philippoussis then backed the Belgrade native to win his record 25th Grand Slam title at the 2024 Australian Open, stating:

"He's without a doubt the favourite going into the Australian Open, and I don't see him slowing down soon."

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Novak Djokovic beat Mark Philippoussis' ex-mentee Stefanos Tsitsipas to win a record 10th Australian Open title

The Serb pictured with his 10th Australian Open trophy

Novak Djokovic is a genius in his own right, and even more so when it comes to winning the Australian Open. The World No. 1 has won 10 Melbourne Slam titles to date.

His record 10th title came at the 2023 edition of the tournament where he defeated Roberto Carballes Baena, Enzo Couacaud, Grigor Dimitrov, Alex de Minaur, Andrey Rublev and Tommy Paul, on his way to his match against Mark Philippoussis' ex-mentee, Stefanos Tsitsipas, in the final.

The Serb made short work of the Greek in the summit clash, defeating him in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6 (5), to lift the Norman Brooks Challenge Cup once again and win his record-equaling 22nd Grand Slam title.