ELECTRIC DJOK
Novak joins Rafa and Fed on 20 Slams, but claims: I’m the best
NOVAK DJOKOVIC paid tribute to Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal after equalling their Grand Slam record of 20 titles – then insisted he is the best.
And the Serbian superstar warned he now aims to leave
his two great rivals trailing in his wake in the GOAT race.
The world No.1 won his sixth Wimbledon title yesterday by fighting off the challenge from Matteo Berrettini to triumph 6-7 6-4 6-4 6-3.
Djokovic may never be loved like the Swiss or the Spaniard – and the feisty Centre Court crowd made that clear as they chanted “Matteo”. But the history maker is the only male player to win all four Grand Slam titles twice, has the record number of weeks at world No.1 and has a winning record against Federer and Nadal.
The reigning Australian and French Open champion has completed three legs of a golden calendar Grand Slam, though he raised doubts about playing in the Olympics.
And he has now won a hat-trick of Wimbledon titles – and eight of the last 12 Slams. It is the first time the Big Three are level. But sooner or later, Djokovic says he’ll take the lead.
“I have to pay a great tribute to Rafa and Roger,” he said. “They are legends of our sport and the reason that I am where I am today. The last 10 years has been an incredible journey. One that is not stopping here.
“I believe that I am the best, otherwise I wouldn’t be talking confidently about winning Slams and making history. But whether I’m the greatest of all time or not, I leave that debate to other people.”
Djokovic said he was “50/50” to go to Tokyo because of the lack of crowds and restrictions. But his odds of winning all four Majors are much shorter.
“I will definitely give it a shot,” he said. “I’m playing well and playing my best tennis at Grand Slams. This is the highest priority I have right now at this stage of my career.”
Federer tweeted: “Congrats Novak on your 20th Major. I’m proud to play in a special era of tennis champions.”
This final lacked the drama of the 2019 epic between Federer and Djokovic after a tense first set. Berrettini needed to serve spectacularly, but made only 59 percent of first serves.
Both players started nervously before the Italian – who saved a set point at 2-5 – won the tie-break with a 138mph ace.
But Djokovic took the next four games and not even a Berrettini tweener could stop him drawing the match level.
The Serb pointed to his head after breaking at the start of the third and put his racquet to his ear after saving break points in the fourth. He took his third match point when the Italian sliced into the net before throwing his shirt, shoes and racquet into the crowd.
He has now won 20 out of 30 Grand Slam finals after winning only six of his first 13.
Berrettini, who played his first Slam final with his left thigh strapped, said:
“I know I can win this title. I’m not sure if
I’m going to do it, but
I know I can do it.”