“Really Fulfilled”: Novak Djokovic Equals Legend Guillermo Vilas in an Incredible Record, Behind Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

Serbian World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is inarguably one of the most successful tennis players of the last decade. Unsurprisingly, he has started this decade on a promising note too.

Presently, the 34-year-old is contesting on his home soil at ATP Belgrade-2 2021. It is his last lead-up tournament before the much-awaited French Open 2021.

In Belgrade, Djokovic defeated persistent German World No. 253 Mats Moraing in his opening match. With that, he registered his 951st win on the ATP Tour and leveled with Argentine legend Guillermo Vilas for most wins in the Open Era. They are both tied in 5th place.

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Novak Djokovic joins Guillermo Vilas and others in an incredible record.

The Serbian ace felt relieved after overcoming a tight two-set win against Moraing. Moreover, he was delighted with the more significant achievement he unlocked with the victory.

In the post-match press conference, Novak Djokovic expressed joy over his record. He said, “With this win, I managed to put my name in another history record book. Obviously, being in the same conversation with Vilas and the legends and greats of our game, it makes me really fulfilled and very joyful.”

Comparatively, the Serbian is still a handful of ATP wins behind the Top 4 in this stat. His next target is his arch-rival Rafael Nadal who is also consistently winning on the men’s circuit. Roger Federer is ahead of both of them and is in second place with 1,243 wins.

However, progress in this record can only be made one match at a time, and Djokovic congratulated his opponent for making him earn this one. He beat Moraing 6-2, 7-6 (4).

“I was twice a break up in the second set, so I maybe could have finished out the job earlier, but credit to him for fighting, for playing really well, for playing very courageous, very bold tennis,” the Serb said.

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Djokovic’s road ahead to French Open 2021

The Serbian ace made an exception to play in Belgrade since it was held so close to Roland-Garros. He will next meet Argentine Federico Coria in the quarterfinals.

In less than a week, Djokovic will begin his 2021 Roland-Garros campaign in Paris. Out of his 18 sensational major titles, only one has come at the French Open in 2016.

Given his hunger for adding more Grand Slams to his name, the Serbian will leave nothing behind to win on the Parisian clay. But will he have it in him to beat the undisputed champion of the French Open, Rafael Nadal?

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