[ad_1]
Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal paid tribute to Novak Djokovic after the Serbian star equaled his men’s record of 20 Grand Slam titles.
Djokovic defeated 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 Grand Slam tennis history.
” IT IS PATHETIC ” : Novak Djokovic caught in “shame” at Wimbledon
‘SPLIT’: The shock confessions of Novak Djokovic at a press conference
After winning his 20th major at the Australian Open in 2018, Federer has now seen the mark tie twice in less than a year.
Nadal won his 20th at Roland Garros last October and Djokovic has now matched them.
But showing class and sportsmanship on Sunday, Federer and Nadal were quick to congratulate Djokovic for the feat.
“Congratulations Novak on your 20th major,” Federer tweeted.
“I am proud to have the opportunity to play in a special era of tennis champions. Wonderful performance, well done!”
Nadal also wrote: “Congratulations @DjokerNole on this amazing achievement.
“20 Grand Slam titles is huge and it’s amazing that we are 3 tied players on this.
“Well done and, once again, congratulations to you and your team for that! “
Djokovic is the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win the first three Grand 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.”
Novak Djokovic pays tribute to Federer and Nadal
Djokovic also showed his class in the Wimbledon trophy presentation when asked to match Federer and Nadal.
“It means none of the three of us will stop,” Djokovic said.
“I have to pay a big tribute to Rafa and Roger. They are legends of our sport and they are the two most important players I have ever faced in my career.
“They are the reason I am where I am today.
“They helped me realize what I need to do to improve myself and become stronger mentally, physically and tactically.
“The past 10 years have been an incredible journey. It doesn’t end there.”
After winning the Australian and French Open 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 consider that happening. I will definitely give it a shot,” Djokovic said.
“I’m in great shape and obviously playing well and playing my best Grand Slam tennis.
“This is the highest priority I have right now at this point in my career. So let’s keep going.”
It is also three-fifths of the way to reach the rare “Golden Slam”.
Steffi Graf is the only player in history to have won all four slams and an Olympic gold medal in the same year.
with agencies
Click here to sign up for our newsletter for all the latest breaking stories from Australia and around the world.
[ad_2]
Source link