After winning a men’s record-tying 23rd Grand Slam trophy, Novak Djokovic claimed that he was not the best player of all time.
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic won the French Open on Sunday, putting him one major championship ahead of Rafael Nadal.
At 23, he is tied with Serena Williams, and at Wimbledon in July, he has a chance to break Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24.
“I don’t want to enter in these discussions. I’m writing my own history,” Djokovic, 36, said.
“I don’t want to say I am the greatest. I leave those discussions to someone else.”
With Nadal and Roger Federer, who retired last year with 20 major wins, Djokovic has been engaged in a compelling competition to win the most men’s Grand Slams during the previous few years.
Djokovic has surged ahead of his long-term opponents for the first time after defeating Norway’s Casper Ruud at Roland Garros.
Based on the facts, Djokovic appears to be a good bet to widen the gap, especially given that Federer, 41, has already announced his retirement and injured Nadal plans to retire in 2024.
“It’s amazing to know that I’m ahead of both of them in Grand Slams, but at the same time everyone writes their own history,” said Djokovic, who also regained the world number one ranking in Paris.
“I feel like each great champion of his own generation has left a huge mark and a legacy. I have huge faith, confidence and belief in myself and everything that I am, who I am and what I am capable of doing.
“This trophy is another confirmation of the quality of tennis that I’m still able to produce.”
Djokovic will attempt to tie Court’s record at Wimbledon – a place where he has already won seven times and will be the favourite to equal Federer’s record tally of men’s titles.
“Grand Slams are the biggest priorities on the checklist, not just this season but any season, especially at this stage of my career,” Djokovic said.
“The journey is still not over. If I’m winning Slams, why even think about ending the career that already has been going for 20 years?
“I still feel motivated and inspired to play the best tennis in these tournaments. These are the ones that count the most in the history of our sport.”
