Novak Djokovic Reacts After Joining Roger Federer in Elite Grand Slam Record

While Novak Djokovic is still chasing two major records held by Roger Federer, including that of most Grand Slam titles, he joined Federer in an elite club. With his second-round win at the French Open 2020, Djokovic has become only the second player in the Open Era, after Federer, to win at least 70 matches at each Grand Slam event.

In this process, Djokovic has also tied Federer as the player with the second-most number of wins at Roland Garros. While Federer and Djokovic sit at 70, Rafael Nadal leads the list with 95 wins.

The current world number one said that these records do not dictate his feeling on the court. However, he acknowledged the enormity of the achievement of winning as many as 70 matches at each Grand Slam.

“Historically they (Grand Slams) count the most. Of course, winning that many matches on each Slam is a great achievement. And of course, it makes me proud, makes me happy,” Djokovic said after his win over Ricardas Berankis.

Novak Djokovic opens up on tying a stunning record

“Obviously those records are great. I mean, they don’t, so to say, determine my day in terms of how I feel on the court if I broke the record for most matches won on Slam or not,” Djokovic said further. “But, of course, it’s nice to hear. Its kind of a confirmation for me that, you know, I’ve been able to play my best tennis throughout my career on the biggest tournaments.”

The Serb also stressed on the effort it took to win a Grand Slam, and how that made each win more special. He spoke about his great rivals Federer and Nadal and their Grand Slam supremacy.

“Federer, Nadal always play their best” – Djokovic

“I always aim to play my best tennis in Grand Slams. I think Federer, Nadal, the biggest players in the last 10, 15 years, aim to always play their best in slams,” Djokovic said. “Over the two weeks, it takes a lot of energy and effort to invest into winning a Grand Slam.”

From the other three Grand Slams, Djokovic has 75 wins each at the Australian Open and the US Open. The Serbian superstar has eight titles at the Melbourne major and 72 wins at Wimbledon.

Meanwhile, Federer has a mammoth 102 and 101 wins respectively at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. He has 70 in Paris and 89 wins at the US Open.