“On the Horizon”: Novak Djokovic Confident in Chasing Roger Federer’s World No.1 Record

Novak Djokovic was victorious in Rome after he beat Diego Schwartzman to win his 36th ATP Masters 1000 title. The victory at the Italian Open 2020 is an important one for Nole as it gave him some crucial ATP ranking points to consolidate his grip on the World No. 1 spot.

Djokovic has now surpassed Pete Sampras in the list of most weeks on World No.1. The Serb is now second in the list with 287 weeks and counting at the apex. He has now set his sights on catching Roger Federer, who tops the list with 310 weeks as World No.1.

In his post-match press conference, Djokovic revealed that he is looking at the record. He is very confident of breaking that record, and it is one of his primary objectives.

“Well, of course, I am aware of the amount of weeks and I don’t know exactly the date but I know it’s going to be in beginning of the second quarter of next year if I eventually maintain my number one rankings. I am getting closer, in a very good position, I feel like I have been playing really well and being healthy which is great.

“Yes I mean those are the two professional goals that I have at the moment so the historic number one ranking is something that is on the horizon.”

Novak Djokovic on chasing Roger Federer’s Grand Slam tally

Djokovic revealed his second goal, which is to surpass Federer’s Grand Slam titles tally. Currently, Djokovic has the third most Major titles with 17, three behind Federer and two behind Rafael Nadal.

“And I am going to give my all and the very best that I can possibly give in the next period to achieve that and then of course after that obviously the attempt to reach that I am going to focus on slams mostly. Slams will be the big one of course and let’s see I feel confident about myself and I feel confident that I can achieve that goal.”

Novak is hunting these records and wants to remain consistent so that he can break them. As of now, the Serbian is happy with where he is mentally and physically. In 6 months or 24 weeks, Djokovic will surpass Federer’s record of most weeks at the top of tennis world. And Djokovic evidently doesn’t plan to let up even after breaking that record.

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