"Pointless, and demeaning to women's records" - Novak Djokovic's Grand Slam count reportedly being compared to Margaret Court's upsets Paul McNamee

Former doubles No. 1 Paul McNamee recently expressed his displeasure with Novak Djokovic's Grand Slam record being compared to that of Margaret Court. Competing at the French Open for the 20th time in his career, the Serb, currently tied with Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slam singles titles, aims to break the record at this year's edition.

The Serb equaled Court's record at the 2023 US Open when he defeated Russia's Daniil Medvedev in the final. The 37-year-old attempted to break Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles at the 2024 Australian Open, but eventual champion Jannik Sinner halted his pursuit in the semifinal.

He is currently through to the third round of the French Open after defeating Roberto Carballés Baena on Thursday, 6-4, 6-1, 6-2. On Saturday (June 1), he will face World No. 30 Lorenzo Musetti in the third round.

On Wednesday, a journalist on X questioned whether it was 'Tennis Channel' spreading the notion that the World No. 1 is chasing Margaret Court's record or whether the Serb himself believes he is pursuing the record.

“Tennis Channel tells us that #Djokovic is chasing Margaret Court's record for the most slams ever "by a human". Does anybody know if @DjokerNole thinks that he is chasing Court's record? Or is this a @TennisChannel creation @RolandGarros?” he asked.

A few hours later, Paul McNamee replied to the post, claiming that the 37-year-old was not focused on Margaret Court's record. McNamee pointed out that Djokovic has made history in men's tennis and argued that comparing his achievements with those of Margaret Court is pointless and disrespectful to all women's records throughout sports.

“If there’s one thing Djokovic is not doing, it’s chasing Margaret Court. He’s made history in his own domain, which is men’s tennis right? Such comparisons are pointless, and demeaning to all women’s records in all sports tbh,” Paul McNamee said.

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A brief look at Novak Djokovic and Margaret Court's dominance at the Australian Open

2023 Australian Open: Men's Champion Photocall

Novak Djokovic and Margaret Court have dominated the Australian Open during their respective careers.

The Serb, who is still active, has won the tournament 10 times during his career, including three consecutive wins on two occasions (2011-2013 and 2019-2021).

His last victory at the Australian Open was in 2023 when he defeated the likes of Roberto Carballés Baena, Enzo Couacaud, Grigor Dimitrov, Alex de Minaur, Andrey Rublev and Tommy Paul before beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final to lift the trophy.

Court, on the other hand, won the title 11 times during her active years. She holds the record for winning the tournament seven times consecutively from 1960 to 1966.