Novak Djokovic: ‘Beating Roger Federer record my major career goal’

Michael Graham
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in action

Novak Djokovic has warned Roger Federer that he’s gunning for his Grand Slam record, but knows the NextGen won’t make it easy for him.

Federer currently leads the way in men’s tennis with 20 Grand Slam titles with Rafael Nadal on 17.

Djokovic goes into 2019 sharing third place with Pete Sampras on 14, but he doesn’t plan on staying there.

“I would lie if I say I didn’t want to get to as high as Grand Slam wins number possible,” he said.

“That’s definitely the objective, the desire, the goal.

“Those are probably the tournaments where I want to do my best for the rest of my career, however long that’s going to be, and of course trying to also fight for number one with everyone else.

“There’s a new generation of players. Nadal and Federer are still there, (Andy) Murray and (Stan) Wawrinka are coming back, (Alexander) Zverev is the leader of this NextGen.

“Men’s tennis is as good as it can be in terms of competition, in terms of personalities, it’s good to see new faces.

“For me it’s going to be a big challenge and a big ask to stay at such a high level. It’s very demanding especially as a family man.

“But I like challenge in life, because from the challenges we grow and we learn.

“So I try to embrace whatever is in front of me, I have to accept it but I’m working for the best.”

Djokovic now heads to the Qatar Open in Doha, where he will face Damir Dzumhur in the first round, before bidding for a seventh Australian Open title in Melbourne.

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