Roger Federer’s verdict on Novak Djokovic’s new Grand Slam record
Roger Federer was the first man to win a 20th Grand Slam title, but now he believes Novak Djokovic will continue to build on that record.
Federer’s 20th major was seen as one of the greatest achievements in all of sport when he managed it in at the 2018 Australian Open.
That was before Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic overtook him in the Grand Slam race, with the record taken to a new level once again at this year’s French Open.
Djokovic’s 23rd Grand Slam saw him take the lead in the battle to finish with the most major titles and Federer believes the Serbian will not stop there.
Insisting he was not envious of Djokovic’s continued success, the Swiss maestro was full of praise for his rival as he spoke at an event in London.
“I thought what Novak did is incredible,” said Federer.
“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 [slams] 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.”
Federer was also full of praise of Andy Murray, as the Scot continues to impress on grass courts ahead of Wimbledon at ATP Challenger level.
“Andy is a special man and I’m very happy he’s still able to play. He loves it,” added Federer.
“He truly loves it. With all the complications he’s had with his hip, it’s amazing to see that he’s still going and I think we all should give him like, a proper sort of a round of applause if you like because what he’s going through and what he’s achieving with what he’s gone through is incredible.
“Funny enough, he just won a Challenger, I believe in Surbiton last week. I played that back in ’99, lost in the semis. And he won the same week as Novak got to this incredible record of 23 slams, which also deserves so much respect.
“So I’m a big fan of Andy’s as well and I wish him all the best for Wimbledon as that’s his best surface in my mind, especially nowadays. So I hope he wins many, many rounds at Wimbledon in a couple of weeks.”
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