Novak ‘can be the best ever’

– Juan Martin del Potro (above) believes Novak Djokovic can end his career as the most successful Grand Slam title winner, even surpassing Roger Federer’s current mark of 20.

Djokovic clinched his third US Open title on Sunday with a 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 triumph over Del Potro, taking him level with Pete Sampras’s mark of 14 Grand Slams.

The 31-year-old Serb is now just three behind Rafael Nadal and six back from Federer.

“Of course he can,” said Del Potro when asked if Djokovic can claim the record over Federer.

“He has 14 already. He won two Slams in one year. He’s healthy. He has a great team around him.

“Hopefully him, Rafa, Roger will still fight for Grand Slams, because it is so nice to watch them fighting for the history.

“We just do what we can against them. But Novak has everything to make records in this sport.”

Del Potro was playing in his first Grand Slam final since lifting the US Open title in 2009 at the age of 20, beating Nadal and Federer back-to-back.

But instead of that win proving a launchpad for a sustained challenge at the Grand Slams, Del Potro battled wrist injuries which required four surgeries.

By the end of 2015, his ranking was at 581, he was deeply depressed and he was on the verge of quitting after having to sit out at least 10 Grand Slam events.

However, when fit he is a formidable force.

He owns 10 wins over world No 1 players – the most by anyone who has never reached the top ranking themselves.

This year he defeated Federer in the Indian Wells Masters final while in 2016 he was a key figure as Argentina won a first Davis Cup. –