Roger Federer believes Novak Djokovic can continue winning Grand Slams ‘for a long time’ after he moved ahead of long-time rival Rafael Nadal.
Djokovic, 36, won his third French Open title and a men’s record 23rd Grand Slam at Roland Garros last weekend.
His victory in Paris moved him into the outright lead of men’s majors, one ahead of Nadal and three clear of the retired Federer.
Djokovic, who became the first man to win all four majors at least three times, also joined Serena Williams on 23 Grand Slams, with only Margaret Court now in front of him with 24 majors.
‘I thought what Novak did was incredible,’ said Federer, who hung up his racket last year.
‘Honestly, it’s great for tennis, great for sports when tennis writes its own history and keeps on adding to it like we’ve seen with Serena Williams as well, Rafa then myself and now with Novak.
‘It’s a great time in tennis to be a fan as well, but also a player.
‘I remember when I came on tour, and Pete Sampras reached 14 we thought “Okay, that one is gonna stay forever”. Then I went to 15, I eventually ended up at 17, and then we pushed each other to 20 – I don’t remember who was first – and then Rafa pushed it to 22.
‘Then now Novak pushed it to 23 and he looks like he’s gonna keep on doing that for a long time still to come, which is great. And I wish him all the best.
‘I think also the way he’s doing it still – he isn’t the youngest anymore, we forget. He looks young and he does it in a young way, but it’s not easy, and I thought it was an amazing victory. So I couldn’t have been more happy.’
Djokovic will look to match Court’s sensational Grand Slam tally at Wimbledon next month and win for the eighth time at the All England Club.
Doing so would further his case as the greatest player in history, but Djokovic says it is not down to him to decide where he ranks.
‘I don’t want to enter into these discussions. I’m writing my own history,’ the Serb said after winning the French Open and reclaiming the world number one ranking.
‘I don’t want to say I am the greatest. I leave those discussions to someone else. It’s amazing to know that I’m ahead of both of them in Grand Slams, but at the same time everyone writes their own history.
‘I feel like each great champion of his own generation has left a huge mark and a legacy. I have huge faith, confidence and belief in myself and everything that I am, who I am and what I am capable of doing.
‘This trophy is another confirmation of the quality of tennis that I’m still able to produce.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Source: Read Full Article
