Djokovic: 'I always compare myself to Nadal, Federer'

FRANCE After winning Roland Garros 2023, Novak Djokovic admits that Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have occupied a lot of his mind for the past 15 years.

"I always compare myself to them, because those two are my two biggest rivals in my career," Djokovic told the ATP on June 11, about Nadal and Federer . 'I've said many times that they define me as a tennis player. In a way, they contribute to the success I have had, thanks to the rivalry and the classic confrontations."

With the defeat of Casper Ruud 7-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the final of Roland Garros on June 11, Djokovic rose to monopolize the record of 23 Grand Slams. This record is considered the most prestigious in tennis. Nadal finished second with 22 Grand Slams, while Federer finished his career with 20 Grand Slams.

On the podium receiving the Roland Garros cup, Djokovic wore a jacket with the number 23, meaning the 23 Grand Slam record. Photo: Sky

Thirteen years ago, not many people thought that Djokovic could take the lead in this great race. In 2010, when Federer owned 16 Grand Slams and Nadal had 9, Djokovic only won once at this level. "It's great to know that I now surpass the two of them in Grand Slams," Djokovic said. "Me and the team have spent countless hours thinking and analyzing what it takes to beat them in the biggest arenas. From a professional perspective, those two have pretty much occupied my mind for 15 years. past year".

The historic victory on June 11 also made Djokovic the first male player to win at least three Grand Slam titles, and the oldest person to win at Roland Garros. It was also Nole's 21st consecutive win at a Grand Slam. He will return to number one on the ATP scoreboard, extending his record of 388 weeks at the top of the world.

"When it comes to history, people are mostly talking about the number of Grand Slams or the length of time you were number one in the world," added Djokovic. "I succeeded in breaking records in both of these stats. I don't want to say I'm the best, because I feel that's disrespectful to great champions of other eras. tennis. Tennis was played in a completely different way than it is now." Djokovic also said that the champions of the previous generation left their mark and legacy, paving the way for his generation to compete on prestigious courts around the world.

After conquering most of the prestigious records of the felt ball village, Djokovic still has a lot of motivation. If he wins Wimbledon and the US Open 2023, the Serbian will become the first person to win four Grand Slams in the same year, since Rod Laver in 1969. Nole had this opportunity in 2021, but lost to Daniil Medvedev in the final. US Open.

"The journey is not over yet," said Djokovic. "If I'm still winning Grand Slams, why should I think about ending a career that's been nearly 20 years long. I still feel motivated and inspired to play the best tennis at the major tournaments. ready for Wimbledon".