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In the 1990s, Pete Sampras was called the greatest tennis player of all time. Now, "Pistol Pete" is passing the intangible title on to Novak Djokovic.

In an interactive feature article from the ATP about the Serbian's accomplishments, Sampras gave insight about the various records Djokovic has set. Recently, the father of two was recognized as the year-end No. 1 for a record-breaking seventh time. Sampras held the Open Era record of six year-end No. 1 rankings—all earned consecutively, from 1993 to 1998.

Djokovic ended the 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2020 and 2021 seasons on top of the rankings. This season, he won three more major titles to raise his total to 20, equaling marks set by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

"Obviously, it's a thrilling sensation breaking the record of Pete Sampras, who was my childhood hero growing up," Djokovic said.

There has been never-ending discussion of who the men's GOAT is, with the choices usually boiled down to Rod Laver, Federer, Nadal, Laver, Sampras and Djokovic.

According to Sampras, the choice is clear.

"I do think what Novak's done over the past 10 years, winning the majors, being consistent, finishing No. 1 for seven years, to me it's a clear sign that he is the greatest of all time," Sampras said.

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