Federer and Nadal's classy act after Novak Djokovic Wimbledon win
Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal have paid tribute to Novak Djokovic after the Serbian star equalled their all-time men's record of 20 grand slam titles.
Djokovic beat Matteo Berrettini 6-7 (7-4) 6-4 6-4 6-3 in the Wimbledon final on Sunday to join Federer and Nadal as the most successful men in the history of grand slam tennis.
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After winning his 20th major at the Australian Open in 2018, Federer has now seen the mark equalled twice in less than a year.
Nadal won his 20th at the French Open last October, and Djokovic has now equalled them.
But showing their class and sportsmanship on Sunday, Federer and Nadal were quick to congratulate Djokovic on the achievement.
"Congrats Novak on your 20th major," Federer tweeted.
"I'm proud to have the opportunity to play in a special era of tennis champions. Wonderful performance, well done!"
Nadal also wrote: "Congrats @DjokerNole on this amazing achievement.
"20 Grand Slam titles is huge and it is amazing that we are 3 players tied on this.
"Well done and, again, congrats to you and your team for this!"
Congrats Novak on your 20th major. I'm proud to have the opportunity to play in a special era of tennis champions. Wonderful performance, well done!
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) July 11, 2021
Congrats @DjokerNole on this amazing achievement. 20 Grand Slam titles is huge and it is amazing that we are 3 players tied on this. Well done and, again, congrats to you and your team for this!@Wimbledon
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) July 11, 2021
Djokovic is the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win the first three slam titles of the year.
The Australian legend wrote on Twitter: "Congratulations Novak. Amazing achievement, you are on your way to a Grand Slam.
"Matteo, you played a fantastic tournament and I have no doubt your time will come."
Congratulations Novak. Amazing achievement, you are on your way to a Grand Slam. Matteo, you played a fantastic tournament and I have no doubt your time will come. https://t.co/bRY6J8B9Lx
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) July 11, 2021
Novak Djokovic pays tribute to Federer and Nadal
Djokovic also showed his class in the Wimbledon trophy presentation when asked about equalling Federer and Nadal.
"It means none of us three will stop," Djokovic said.
"I have to pay great tribute to Rafa and Roger. They are legends of our sport and they are the two most important players that I ever faced in my career.
"They are the reason that I'm where I am today.
"They've helped me realise what I need to do in order to improve and get stronger mentally, physically, tactically.
"The last 10 years have been an incredible journey. It's not stopping here."
Having won the Australian and French Opens earlier this year, Djokovic only needs to win the US Open to become the first man since Laver in 1969 to complete the calendar slam.
"I could definitely envisage that happening. I'm gonna definitely give it a shot," Djokovic declared.
"I'm in great form and obviously playing well and playing my best tennis at grand slams.
"It is the highest priority that I have right now at this stage of my career. So let's keep it going."
He is also three-fifths of the way to achieving the rare 'Golden Slam'.
Steffi Graf is the only player in history to win the four slams and an Olympic gold medal in the same year.
with agencies
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