Novak Djokovic makes huge claim about Margaret Court after Australian Open
The 10-time Australian Open champion isn't ready to stop anytime soon.
Novak Djokovic has revealed he wants to hunt down Margaret Court's all-time grand slam record after winning his 10th Australian Open title. Djokovic proved the doubters wrong having battled through a troubling hamstring injury to claim a record 10th title at Melbourne Park and equal Rafa Nadal's tally of 22 grand slams.
The Serbian let out all his emotions after the victory, a year after being deported from Australia due to his vaccination status. With those rules dropped in the months leading up to the 2023 Australian Open, Djokovic was free to contest the grand slam he's enjoyed a stranglehold over for much of his career.
'CREATED A MONSTER': Nick Kyrgios' swipe after Djokovic triumph
'NOT ON': Stefanos Tsitsipas' father under fire over 'disrespectful' act
'NOT HAPPY': Novak Djokovic's brutal confession about wife after final
The redemption story meant the world to the 35-year-old as he let out all his emotions after the victory, collapsing into the arms of his team and crying tears of joy before the trophy ceremony. Djokovic has never been coy about his ambition to be the man with the most grand slam titles.
And the Serbian wants to pass Nadal, eclipse Serena Williams on 23 and eventually surpass Court for the person with the most grand slam titles to their names. "Of course I am motivated to win as many slams as possible," Djokovic said when asked about Court's record.
"At this stage of my career, these trophies are the biggest motivational factor of why I still compete. That's the case without a doubt. I still have lots of motivation. Let's see how far it takes me. I really don't want to stop here. I don't have intention to stop here."
Djokovic ranked his latest grand slam win in the top "two or three" for his level of play, which saw him only drop one set on his way to victory. This is despite carrying a troublesome injury picked up in Adelaide.
And the Serbian has claimed he feels physically ready to compete for many years titles. However, he admitted his body isn't the only factor determining when he will call time on his illustrious career.
"I feel great about my tennis. I know that when I'm feeling good physically, mentally present, I have a chance to win any slam against anybody. I like my chances going forward," he said. "I don't know how many more years I'm going to play or how many more slams I'm going to play. It depends on various things. It doesn't depend only on my body.
"It's extremely important for me to be, of course, first to have the support and love from the close ones, and ability to go and play and keep the balance with the private life. But at the same time I have the mental clarity or - how should I say - aspirations to really strive to chase these trophies. Physically I can keep myself fit. Of course, 35 is not 25, even though I want to believe it is. But I still feel there is time ahead of me. Let's see how far I go."
Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer praise Djokovic
After Djokovic's historic victory, both Nadal and Roger Federer took time to praise his achievement. Federer, who Djokovic made a point of shooting out after his semi-final victory over Tommy Paul, took to Instagram to congratulate the now 22-time grand slam champion. “Incredible effort, again! Many congratulations," the Swiss legend wrote on his Instagram story.
Nadal also took to social media to congratulate Djokovic on his latest grand slam success. "Congrats Nole, to you and your team for this great achievement. Enjoy the moment!" he wrote.
Already the longest-serving world No.1 in history, Djokovic will return to the summit on Monday for a record-extending 374th week after knocking injured Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz from his perch. The father of two is also the only man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four grand slam singles titles simultaneously - and the only man to achieve the non-calendar-year grand slam on three different surfaces.
with AAP
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.
