Paris, June 4, 2025– The atmosphere in Roland Garros has become more tense than expected, not for an epic party or an unexpected injury, but by a brief, powerful statement and, for many, andy Murray’s incendiary, the former number one in the world. During an interview after his elimination from the tournament, Murray did not bit his tongue when he was asked about Novak Djokovic, his old rival in the elite of tennis.

“It’s just a veteran, not a legend.”

Eight words and a character – one that many qualify as “political” – that have shaken the world of tennis as an earthquake. The phrase, thrown with a mixture of British coldness and poorly disguised frustration, has been interpreted as a direct criticism not only to the Serbian player, but also the media cult that surrounds him.

Murray and Djokovic share a rich and complex story. Born the same year, both have fought by titles on all surfaces, and although the Serbian has harvested more trophies and records, Murray has been one of the few capable of overcoming him in the key moments, such as the final of Wimbledon 2013. However, while Djokovic has continued to add Grand Slams, Murray has had to fight with his body, his hip, with a press that constantly constant Remember its “secondary role” in the era of the “great three.”

Murray’s statement, given with an almost casual tone, quickly went viral. Social networks exploded. Some applauded her for her honesty and courage. Others considered her unnecessary, unfair and even resentful.

“You can’t deny what Novak has done for tennis. That makes a legend, although some it hurts”, Wrote a comn commentator.

However, there was a significant part of the public that began to question if Murray was right. Can a player who, in the opinion of some be unable to inspire admiration out of his statistics be called “legend”? The controversies of Djokovic with vaccines, their gestures during the matches, and their complicated relationship with the public in different tournaments in the world, have made, despite their achievements, their figure is not unanimously venerated.

The most surprising was the reaction of Djokovic himself. Instead of responding with fury, sarcasm or indifference, as it has done on other occasions, Novak opted for a mesurated response:

“If Andy thinks that, he is in his right. I just try to do my best on the track and represent my country with pride. Words do not change what I have lived or what I have given to the sport.”

This statement – which many considered a class lesson – generated a wave of unexpected respect towards Djokovic, even by some who usually criticize it. In social networks, messages such as: “For the first time, Novak has won without playing a single point.”

After the storm, the conversation in the halls of Roland Garros, in the sports gatherings and in the networks now revolves around a single question: what defines a legend?

For some, such as Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer, there is no discussion. Their titles, charisma and love of the public have elevated them to an almost mythical status. Djokovic, on the other hand, continues to generate division. Are the numbers enough? Or is something else needed?

Andy Murray has been the critical voice of the circuit for years. Already in 2022 he was one of the first to question the unequal treatment between male and female tennis. Now, with this new statement, it has once again been the center of an important debate.

Maybe, beyond looking for controversy, Murray is only trying to remind us that tennis is not only played with racket, but also with ideas.

And with a phrase of eight words, he has managed to light the fire of thought in a world where many times only trophies are seen