PARIS: Novak Djokovic stood proudly at the pinnacle of men’s tennis – and warned his rivals there is plenty more still to come, reported German news agency (dpa).
Since claiming his first grand slam title at the Australian Open in 2008, Djokovic has been pursuing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal through the history books, but he has surpassed both – having broken the record he jointly held with Nadal by claiming his 23rd trophy at the French Open.
Djokovic’s 7-6 (1), 6-3, 7-5 victory over Ruud draws him level with Serena Williams and he could equal Margaret Court’s all-time singles mark at Wimbledon next month.
It is now all but impossible to make the case for anyone other than Djokovic being the greatest male player of all time, and having won six of the last eight major tournaments he has played, at 36, he is more dominant than ever.
“Those two guys were occupying my mind for the last 15 years quite a lot,” he said.
“So, it’s amazing to know that I’m one ahead.
“I don’t want to say that I am the greatest because I feel it’s disrespectful towards all the great champions in different eras of our sport that was played in a completely different way than it is played today.
“So I leave those kinds of discussions of who is the greatest to someone else. I have, of course, huge faith and confidence and belief in myself and for everything that I am and who I am and what I am capable of doing.
“I feel incredibly proud, fulfilled. Of course, the journey is still not over. I feel, if I’m winning slams, why even think about ending the career that already has been going on for 20 years?
“I still feel motivated, I still feel inspired to play the best tennis at these tournaments the most. I look forward already to Wimbledon.”
The Serbian also becomes the first man ever to win at least three slam titles at all the major tournaments – a measure of his all-round greatness – while he will overtake Carlos Alcaraz on Monday to return to world number one. – BERNAMA-dpa
