Novak Djokovic is convinced that he is at the top of tennis thanks to his biggest rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. With today’s sixth title on the grass at Wimbledon, the Serb matched their record balance with twenty grand slam trophies.
“I have to pay tribute to Raf and Roger, they are the legends of our sport and the two most important players I’ve faced in my career,” Djokovic said after the Wimbledon final, defeating Italian Matteo Berrettini and not finding a winner at the All England Club for the third time.
When Djokovic won his first grand slam title at the Australian Open in 2008, Swiss Federer already had twelve and Spaniard Nadal three. “They are the reason why I am here. At first I lost big matches with them and they showed me that I have to be stronger physically, mentally and tactically,” said Srb.
While Federer won his twentieth title in 2018, Djokovic has since added eight to his collection. “It’s been an amazing ride in the last ten years and maybe it doesn’t end here,” he said, believing his last juice didn’t say the last word. “The three of us are not slowing down yet.”
Djokovic, Federer and Nadal have been dominating the Big Four since 2004. They have won exactly sixty of the last 71 grand slam tournaments today.
Immediately after the victory, Federer congratulated Djokovic on social networks. “Congratulations to Novak on your 20th major. I am proud to have the opportunity to play in the extraordinary era of tennis champions. Amazing performance, good job,” the Swiss wrote on twitter.
Congrats Novak on your 20th major. I’m proud to have the opportunity to play in a special era of tennis champions. Wonderful performance, well done!
– Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) July 11, 2021
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Djokovic won the Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon this year and has a unique chance to become the third tennis player to win the calendar Grand Slam. “I can definitely think that this could happen. I hope to have a chance. I’m in great shape, I play great and getting a Grand Slam is currently my main priority,” said the native of Belgrade. The US Open kicks off on August 30.
So far, only two tennis players have won the calendar Grand Slam. In 1938, the American Don Budge did it, and twice did the Australian Rod Laver, who succeeded in 1962 and 52 years ago.
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