"When I’m ready, I’m the best" - Novak Djokovic relates to LeBron James' mentality, highlights self-belief on court

Novak Djokovic can relate to basketball legend LeBron James' mentality of being the best player ever, pointing out the importance of having that kind of self-belief and confidence for success at the highest level. The Serbian tennis great said that there is nothing 'arrogant' about James' views about being the basketball GOAT and in turn considering himself as the tennis GOAT, provided he is respectful towards the sport and his opponents.

Djokovic further stated that every time he steps on the court, he believes he is better than every opponent in the world.

Shortly before breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time NBA scoring record, LeBron James confidently claimed to be the best basketball player of all time. Himself part of tennis' GOAT debate, Djokovic said he relates to James' mentality as self-belief and confidence have played perhaps the biggest role in him achieving legendary status.

"Yes, I can relate to that because I believe that what worked for me and still works for me is that self-belief and confidence level," Djokovic told The National on the sidelines of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion stressed that respecting the sport and his opponents is essential alongside the self-belief of being the best in the world. Having said that, he confidently stated that he always feels like he can beat any player on any surface and enters matches thinking that he is the better player.

"Of course always balanced with the respect towards the opponent, towards the game, appreciation for the moment and for what you’re going through," the Serb continued.

"But just self-belief that, hey, I know that when I’m ready, when I’m there out on the court, on any surface, against anybody, I’m better, I’m the best," he stated.

The 35-year-old Serb reiterated the importance of respecting one's opponents, further opining that as long as that respect is maintained, there is nothing wrong with the self-belief of being the best in the world.

"And I don’t think there’s anything arrogant or pretentious about it, as long as its balanced with respect towards the opponent. I've tried throughout my life to always greet and treat every rival with respect," the Serbian superstar added.

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"He works as hard as anybody really out there" - Novak Djokovic congratulates LeBron James on historic achievement

Novak Djokovic holds the 2023 Australian Open trophy.

Novak Djokovic went on to congratulate LeBron James for becoming the player to score the highest number of points in NBA history and feels that the LA Lakers superstar deserves the achievement as he is the hardest worker in his sport at the age of 38. The Serb called the American basketball legend a great role model and example for younger players.

"I congratulate LeBron for his historic achievement, he absolutely deserves it because at this age, he works as hard as anybody really out there," the ATP world No. 1 expressed.

"And that’s a great role model and a great example to all the young guys."

Meanwhile, the 10-time Australian Open champion himself is set to compete in his first tournament since winning the Australian Open last month, returning this coming week at the Dubai Tennis Championships. He will aim for his third title in 2023 and sixth title in Dubai, while he continues to wait with bated breath for news regarding his exemption application to enter the US for Indian Wells and Miami.