NFL legend Tom Brady mentioned Novak Djokovic as one of the best examples when explaining why early tension and falling behind isn’t a catastrophe if you have the ability to adjust and ultimately turn the situation around.

Tom Brady mentions Novak Djokovic when detailing one trait of best athletes, teams

Brady, a former seven-time Super Bowl champion, was a guest on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, where they discussed the Championship Games and the upcoming Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.

At one point, Brady – who has been retired since 2023 February – detailed why slow starts or losing early aren’t necessarily the end of the world. Instead, a team with the ability to adjust or implement their pre-game tactic and plan can still turn the situation around and end on the winning side.

“I watched Novak Djokovic lose so many first sets and then, he’s just feeling it out,” Brady said on The Herd with Colin Cowherd.

“You don’t need to dominate 6-0, 6-0, 6-0, sometimes you can lose a little bit early. Not that you’re trying to, but the other team’s got a plan as well.

“And I think as the game goes on, you see what the plan is, then ultimately you adjust your plan to counter, or almost like a counterattack.”

Djokovic has ‘a tremendous respect’ for Brady

Djokovic and Brady are some of the greatest athletes in sports history as the Serb is now considered by many as the greatest players in tennis history, while Brady – who is the only player in NFL history with seven rings – is widely regarded as the greatest player in NFL history.

Djokovic and Brady also have a good relationship as the NFL followed the 2023 French Open final from the Serb’s box. During Djokovic’s three-set win over Casper Ruud in last year’s French Open final, Brady had one of the best seats in the house as he was sitting next to Djokovic’s wife and the Serb’s entire team.Tom Brady and Jelena Djokovic

Tom Brady and Jelena Djokovic© Getty Images Sport – Clive Brunskill

A couple of months later, Brady and Djokovic again met at the US Open.

“Tom Brady being in my box for Roland Garros finals, and sitting next to my wife, was a huge honor. I have a relationship with Tom for several years. We go back. I have tremendous respect for him,” Djokovic said in New York.