Novak Djokovic has said he will leave the debate as to whether he is the greatest tennis player of all time to others – after a record-breaking 23rd men’s singles Grand Slam title.
The 36-year-old Serbian beat Norway’s Casper Ruud 7-6(1) 6-3 7-5 on Sunday in the French Open final to eclipse Spanish rival Rafael Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam titles and extend his advantage over the now-retired Roger Federer, who won 20 majors.
The victory means Djokovic, the new world number one, also becomes the first man in tennis history to win at least three trophies from each of the four slams.
He has a record 10 Australian Open titles as well as triumphing at three French Opens, seven Wimbledon titles and three US Opens.
Djokovic is now level with American Serena Williams and he could equal Australian Margaret Court’s all-time singles mark – 24 – at next month’s Wimbledon.
“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 [on Sunday],” Djokovic said afterwards.
“So I leave those kind 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?”
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He also revealed Wimbledon will be his only grass-court appearance this summer.
“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 grass season is around the corner, so for me it’s going to be only Wimbledon in the plans. I will move to London quite soon and then train and get ready for another Grand Slam.”
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Djokovic arrived in Paris without a title on clay this season.
His coach Goran Ivanisevic said: “He has this software in his head that he can switch when a Grand Slam comes.
“Grand Slam is a different sport comparing to other tournaments. The day we arrived here, he was better, he was more motivated, he was more hungry.”
In January, Djokovic won the Australian Open to equal Nadal’s Grand Slam record, a year after the Serbian was deported from the country over his COVID vaccination status.
The tennis star has refused to have the coronavirus vaccine.
