Melbourne: Novak Djokovic has designs on Roger Federer’s 20 Grand Slam crowns after completing a record-breaking Australian Open victory here, Sunday.
Djokovic won a record seventh Melbourne crown, 15th Grand Slam title and third in a row after Wimbledon and the US Open when he swatted aside Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 in the final with a dominant display.
The Serbian World No. 1 said Monday that he is motivated to ‘have a shot’ at Federer’s record but conceded that it was ‘still far’ away.
“I am aware that making history of the sport that I truly love is something special. Of course, it (Federer’s record) motivates me,” he told reporters. “Playing Grand Slams, biggest ATP events, is my utmost priority,” Djokovic added.
It was the manner of victory that had many, including Djokovic, believing he can go on to match or possibly overtake Federer. At 31 years old, six years younger than Federer, he has time on his side.
“I do want to definitely focus myself on continuing to improve my game and maintaining the overall well-being that I have – mental, physical and emotional – so I would be able to compete at such a high level for the years to come, and have a shot at eventually getting closer to Roger’s record,” Djokovic informed. “It’s still far.”
Djokovic has already ripped one record from Federer’s grasp – lifting the Norman Brookes trophy for a seventh time put him clear of the Swiss maestro and Roy Emerson, who both won six Australian Open men’s singles titles.
Djokovic will go to Paris in May for the French Open seeking to become the only man in the Open Era to win all four Majors twice, and with victory would hold all four Majors at the same time for the second time in his career.
But Roland Garros is where the ‘King of Clay’ Nadal rules, having won 11 French Opens in the last 13 years. Djokovic would love to dethrone the Spaniard there after humiliating him in Melbourne.
“Obviously I have to work on my game, my clay court game, a bit more, more specifically than I have,” said Djokovic.
“I need to play better than I have last season. I am already playing better. But, I mean, clay specifically in order to have a chance and shot at the title. The ultimate challenge there is to win against Nadal,” he added.
AFP