In a shocking development that has sent shockwaves through the tennis world, Novak Djokovic, widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has announced his retirement from the sport. The news of his departure alone stunned fans and fellow athletes, but it was his bold declaration that he is the “official GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) that has sparked controversy and outrage across the sporting community.

Djokovic, who recently secured his 24th Grand Slam title, unexpectedly revealed during a press conference that he was retiring from professional tennis, effective immediately. “I’ve achieved everything I set out to do in tennis. There’s nothing left to prove,” Djokovic stated. His retirement comes as a surprise to many, given that Djokovic had been in top form and was still competing at the highest level, seemingly on track to add even more titles to his already illustrious career.

The tennis world was quick to react, with many expressing shock and disbelief at his sudden exit. “It feels unreal,” said a fellow player. “Novak still had so much to give to the sport.” Fans, too, were left stunned, as they had expected Djokovic to continue competing for at least a few more years.

What ignited even more controversy was Djokovic’s next statement, where he unequivocally declared himself the greatest tennis player in history. “I am the GOAT, and now it’s time for me to leave the game at the top,” Djokovic said. This bold self-proclamation sparked an immediate backlash from both fans and analysts, many of whom felt the statement was unnecessarily arrogant and disrespectful to other tennis legends like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Tennis analysts pointed out that while Djokovic’s career achievements are undeniable, the debate over who the true GOAT is has always been subjective, and many felt it was improper for Djokovic to crown himself without recognizing the contributions and legacies of his peers.

The declaration triggered a wave of outrage on social media, with many fans of Nadal and Federer feeling that Djokovic’s comment undermined the competitive spirit and camaraderie that has defined the era of the “Big Three” in tennis. “It’s one thing to retire at the top, but another to declare yourself the GOAT without acknowledging the legacy of your rivals,” one fan tweeted.

Federer and Nadal, who have long been Djokovic’s fiercest rivals on the court, have both refrained from making public statements about the GOAT debate, choosing instead to let their records and performances speak for themselves. Djokovic’s self-proclamation, therefore, has been seen as a breach of the unspoken respect between these three giants of tennis.

Some fans, however, defended Djokovic’s statement, arguing that his remarkable statistics—most Grand Slam titles, longest weeks as World No. 1, and favorable head-to-head records against both Nadal and Federer—justify his claim. “Novak has earned the right to call himself the GOAT based on his accomplishments,” one supporter posted.

Despite the controversy surrounding his retirement and declaration, Djokovic’s legacy remains undeniable. With 24 Grand Slam titles, an unmatched record across all surfaces, and a consistent dominance over his competitors, Djokovic has certainly etched his name in tennis history.

However, the manner in which he exited the sport—by declaring himself the GOAT—has left a bittersweet taste in the mouths of many. His bold departure could have been a celebration of his remarkable career, but instead, it has created division among tennis fans and reignited the age-old debate over who truly deserves the title of the greatest.

Novak Djokovic’s surprise retirement and self-declaration as the GOAT have not only stunned the tennis world but also sparked heated debates and emotions. While his achievements are undisputed, the controversy surrounding his exit will likely linger, leaving fans to continue the ongoing debate about who stands as the true Greatest of All Time in tennis. Whether Djokovic’s bold statement will cement his legacy or tarnish it in the eyes of some remains to be seen.