Two former world No.1 players believe Novak Djokovic has the ability to break Roger Federer’s record for most grand slam titles won in history.
Newly appointed chairwoman of the USTA Foundation, Chris Evert, believes Djokovic has the ability to achieve the milestone following his resurgence on the tour. Since Wimbledon, the Serbian has won 21 consecutive matches in grand slam tournaments. Should he win the French Open later this year, he would be the champion of all four majors at the same time. Something he has already achieved between 2015-2016.
“Djokovic was inhuman during the Australian Open. I’ve never seen anybody with that much mental focus, that much clarity and that much determination.” Evert told The Tennis Channel. “Even better than Rafael Nadal, who is also 100% great in those categories. If he has another great two or three years, I think he can pass them all (grand slam titles won).” She added.
Federer, who is six years older than Djokovic, currently holds the all-time record in the majors with 20 titles to his name. Including a record eight Wimbledon trophies. His last triumph at a major was in Melbourne in January 2018. Since then, Federer has failed to progress beyond the quarter-final stage at any other grand slam.
“I’m a big Roger Federer fan, but I’m not as optimistic about Roger winning another grand slam, unless it is Wimbledon.” Evert admitted. “The points are shorter, power plays a big role and serving plays a big role.”
Backing Evert, Lindsay Davenport is another person who believes Djokovic can overtake Federer. Davenport won 55 titles during her career on the WTA Tour, including three at grand slam level.
“I think so. The other two (Federer and Nadal) has never hold all four (grand slams) at the same time. Novak is one slam away from doing it twice.” Davenport outlined. “It’s just unheard of that we have a player that are that good within the same era.”
What has Djokovic said?
Speaking to reporters last month in Australia, the 31-year-old said breaking records is what motivates him in the sport. Shortly after his one-sided win over Nadal in the final at the Australian Open, Djokovic said he was focused on improving his game further.
“I am aware that making history of the sport that I truly love is something special. Of course, it motivates me. How many seasons are to come? I don’t know. I’m not trying to think too much in advance.” He said.
“I do want to definitely focus myself on continuing to improve my game and maintaining the overall well-being that I have – mental, physical, 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. It’s still far.”
It isn’t just the Federer record on his mind. According to coach Marian Vajda, he is hoping to achieve the calendar grand slam one day. Where a player win all four majors within the same season. The achievement is a rarity in men’s tennis. In the Open Era, it has only been achieved by Rod Laver back in 1969.
“Novak would like to win the calendar grand slam, to win all four of the biggest tournaments in the same year.” Vajda told Sport Klub.
When asked about emulating Laver one day, Djokovic was more coy about his aspirations.
“Well, I got to get Rod Laver in my team in order to achieve that,” Djokovic said. “He’s the only one that has managed to do the impossible challenge, the ultimate challenge of tennis.
“We’ll see.”
Most grand slam titles won (men only)
| Rank | Player | Total | Years | Australian Open | French Open | Wimbledon | US Open |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roger Federer | 20 | 2003–2018 | 6 | 1 | 8 | 5 |
| 2 | Rafael Nadal | 17 | 2005–2018 | 1 | 11 | 2 | 3 |
| 3 | Novak Djokovic | 15 | 2008–2019 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
| 4 | Pete Sampras | 14 | 1990–2002 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 5 |
| 5 | Roy Emerson | 12 | 1961–1967 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 6 | Rod Laver | 11 | 1960–1969 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Björn Borg | 11 | 1974–1981 | 0 | 6 | 5 | 0 | |
| 8 | Bill Tilden | 10 | 1920–1930 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 |
