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

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.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Tennis betting preview: 2/1 Germans our Hopman hope despite Federer factor
-
Quiz! Test your knowledge on the tennis players who retired in 2018
-
Gallery of stars Down Under: Roger Federer with a western rock lobster, Naomi Osaka with a python
-
Quiz! Test your knowledge on the career of the legendary Bjorn Borg
-
EXCLUSIVE: Judy Murray identifies one reason why her sons have reached the top
-
Latest
-
French Open
Irina-Camelia Begu cops biggest fine so far at 2022 French Open after ‘unacceptable’ incident
Irina-Camelia Begu lucky not to be disqualified, but not so lucky with the fine.
-
French Open
Rafael Nadal produces his ‘best match’ at 2022 French Open, up next Felix Auger-Aliassime and Uncle Toni
Rafael Nadal edges closer to potential Novak Djokovic showdown.
-
French Open
Novak Djokovic striving for perfection and more aggression after easing into Roland Garros fourth round
Novak Djokovic marches on at Roland Garros.
-
French Open
Belinda Bencic fumes at umpire over time violation during defeat to Leylah Fernandez at Roland Garros
It’s Leylah Fernandez v Amanda Anisimova up next at Roland Garros.
-
French Open
Exclusive – Why Carlos Alcaraz could be a hybrid of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
Annabel Croft says Carlos Alcaraz has taken the best elements of Nadal, Djokovic and Federer to build his game.
-
French Open
Novak Djokovic ‘is back’ says John McEnroe as he makes world No 1 ‘very slight’ favourite for Roland Garros title
John McEnroe tipping Novak Djokovic to win the 2022 French Open.
-
Wimbledon
Daniil Medvedev insists ‘if I can play Wimbledon I will be happy to be there, even without points’
Daniil Medvedev would jump at the chance to play at Wimbledon.
-
Tennis News
Nick Kyrgios has ‘bigger fish to fry’ after Bernard Tomic challenges him ‘sort this out in the boxing ring’
Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic won’t be stepping into a boxing ring any time soon.
-
French Open
Irina-Camelia Begu escapes disqualification after ’embarrassing moment’ left young fan in tears
“I just want to apologise,” says Irina-Camelia Begu.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon to finally ditch the ‘Miss’ and ‘Mrs’ prefixes on its famous honours boards as it modernises
Welcome to 2022 Wimbledon.