By Scoop Malinowski
Gordie Howe was the epitome of hockey, so they called him “Mr. Hockey.” That nickname is still going strong today.
Don Mattingly personified the ultimate baseball player so they called him “Donnie Baseball.”
College football sensation Johnny Manziel was so exciting and spectacular at the University of Texas A&M that the nation and media simply called him, “Johnny Football.”
Now I am unofficially nominating Novak Djokovic to be also known as “Mr. Tennis.”
There’s never been another champion who symbolized the qualities or accomplished the achievements of Novak Djokovic in the tennis arena. He’s done it all and broke every major record the sport has. And he did it by overcoming insurmountable odds and conspiring forces to slay and conquer the two previous goats and the establishment’s agendas – a feat very few thought was possible.
Djokovic is your ultimate champion and people’s champion with a playing style that legend coach Nick Bollettieri said was the closest thing to perfect tennis. On top of his tennis perfection, Djokovic has a hilarious sense of humor, endearing charisma, authentic intelligent personality and the ability to connect with his fans (not cold shoulder them or expect their worship). Djokovic has become one of the most admired and universally adored champions in sports history.
Novak Djokovic is everything Nadal and Federer were supposed to be, aspired to be, pretended to be…
Novak Djokovic is Mr. Tennis.
Sam · June 27, 2025 at 10:55 pm
I agree.
So . . . who’s Mrs. Tennis? 😉
Scoop Malinowski · June 28, 2025 at 8:38 am
Sam, definitely not Serena ) Maybe Margaret Court or Evert? Or Jelena Ristic Djokovic )
Sam · July 6, 2025 at 4:47 am
Well, Scoop, I wouldn’t pick Evert, because her last name will probably change at least one more time. 😂
Sam · July 13, 2025 at 11:45 pm
Unfortunately, it’s looking like #25 will continue to elude Mr. Tennis.
It’s still possible that he can do it, of course, but at this point I’d give it only about a 15% chance. He definitely needs the Clostebol Kid out of the way, though. 🚫
Scoop Malinowski · July 14, 2025 at 7:42 am
24 is enough. 25 though would be the nicest number for closure.