Djokovic hails ‘legends’ Nadal, Federer after equaling duo’s Grand Slam record

Wimbledon champion, Novak Djokovic has paid tributes to Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer after equaling their all-time Grand Slam record.

The world number one put up yet another fine performance at Wimbledon final on Sunday to defeat 25-year-old Italian Matteo Berrettini and clinched a sixth title at the All England club.

It was a big victory for the 34-year-old Serb, who now has 20 Grand Slam titles to his name, a record number held by Nadal and Federer prior to Sunday’s final.

Speaking after the triumph, Djokovic said he could not have reached the heights if Federer and Nadal had not been in the picture.

“As a seven-year-old I was constructing a trophy with improvised materials that I could find in my room so to come here and for this, it is amazing,” said the latest champion.

Asked how he feels after equalling the 20 Grand Slams won by Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, Djokovic responded: “It means none of us three will stop.”

Read Also: Djokovic wins 20th Grand Slam title to level with Federer, Nadal

He continued: “I have to make a great tribute to Rafa and Roger, they are legends of our sport and the two most important players I ever faced in my career.

“They are the reason why I am where I am today. They showed me what I needed to do to get stronger, physically, tactically and mentally.

“Over the last 10 years it has been an incredible journey that’s not stopping here.”

Djokovic already won the Australian Open and the French Open. Having won at Wimbledon, he is now close to clinching all four Grand Slams in 2021.

On the potential of winning all the Grand Slams this yead, Djokovic added: “I could definitely envisage that happening and I hope I will give it a shot. I’m in great form and played well and having my best form at Grand Slams is my number one priority.”

Only Germany’s Steffi Graf in 1988 has ever won all four majors and the Olympics in a calendar year.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now