Roger Federer 'couldn’t have been more happy' to see Novak Djokovic win 23rd Grand Slam at French Open
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Published 15/06/2023 at 18:36 GMT
Novak Djokovic is three Grand Slam titles ahead of Roger Federer in the all-time standings after winning his 23rd at the French Open. Djokovic, 36, will have a chance to add to his collection at Wimbledon and Federer, who retired last September, thinks the world No. 1 still "looks young". He also thinks Djokovic's achievements are "great for tennis".
Djokovic: 'I don't want to say I'm the greatest' after 23rd Grand Slam title
Roger Federer says he “couldn’t have been more happy” to see Novak Djokovic win the French Open - and thinks he will secure even more Grand Slam titles.
He is now one ahead of Rafael Nadal in the all-time standings and three clear of Federer, who retired last September.
Djokovic had been playing catch up with his two great rivals in terms of Grand Slam titles throughout his career, but now leads for the first time.
“I thought what Novak did is incredible,” said Federer in London, as quoted by i.
“Honestly, it’s great for tennis, great for sports when tennis writes its own history and keeps on adding to it like we’ve seen with Serena Williams as well, Rafa then myself and now with Novak.
“It’s a great time in tennis to be a fan as well, but also a player.
“I remember when I came on tour, and Pete Sampras reached 14 we thought ‘Okay, that one is gonna stay forever’. Then I went to 15, I eventually ended up at 17, and then we pushed each other to 20 – I don’t remember who was first – and then Rafa pushed it to 22.
“Then now Novak pushed it to 23 and he looks like he’s gonna keep on doing that for a long time still to come, which is great. And I wish him all the best.
“I think also the way he’s doing it still – he isn’t the youngest anymore, we forget. He looks young and he does it in a young way, but it’s not easy, and I thought it was an amazing victory. So I couldn’t have been more happy.”
Djokovic is now level with Serena Williams on 23 Grand Slam titles and only Margaret Court with 24 has won more.
The Serb will soon have a chance to win a 24th major at Wimbledon, which starts on July 3.
If he does so he will also equal Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles.
Federer’s last Grand Slam final was Wimbledon 2019 when he had two championship points before losing to Djokovic.
Federer is in London to open two newly refurbished tennis courts.
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