Novak Djokovic and records go hand in hand. At 36 years of age, the Serbian superstar has had a year strewn with records of various forms. From head-to-head dominations to ageless victories at major tournaments and a possible end to the year as world no.1, Novak has showcased his proficiency at the top of elite tennis.
Now, with a victory at a year-ending ATP 1000 tournament, the 24-time grand slam champion has added yet another victory to his long list of ATP triumphs and could see himself surpass Roger Federer in the tally.
Will Novak Djokovic overtake Roger Federer again?
During his momentous US Open title run this year, Novak Djokovic broke Federer’s all-time men’s major semi-final record of 46 when he entered his 47th grand slam semi-final. The Serb also added his 24th grand slam title in the process, extending his lead over Federer to 4. That record remains unchangeable, given that Federer has retired.
Now, in a major ATP tournament taking place in France during the winter season, Novak Djokovic won his 1289th ATP match of his career. That victory put him closer to Federer in the overall list with the retired Federer having won 1526 matches.
The way Novak Djokovic is going about business despite being in the twilight years of his career, one would expect him to break Federer’s record. Also noteworthy is the fact that Novak Djokovic has won all 9 major ATP tour level tournaments in a season along with the 4 grand slams of the year.
The only achievement that has eluded the Serb is an Olympic gold, and he has set his sights on that accolade next year at the Paris Olympics.
Novak Djokovic secures win at Paris Master 2023
Novak Djokovic took centre court at the Paris Masters knowing that arch-rival Carlos Alcaraz had lost his opening round match.
In under an hour and a half, Djokovic demolished his Argentinian opponent Tomas Etcheverry 6-3, 6-2 and secured his 1289th ATP win in the process. The Serb won 57% of the total points played, as compared to Tomas’ 43%. He also won 3 out of the 7 break points he had and served 6 aces in total.
Djokovic currently lags Ivan Lendl, Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors in the overall list of ATP wins, but with time on his hand and future seasons possibly filled with momentous victories, the Serb can aim to reach the top of the list.
“I felt nerves going into the match even though I have plenty of experience. But you need some time to get the engine going and to hit through the ball and that is what started to happen to me at end of first set and that was great,” Djokovic said after the match.
Novak Djokovic will play Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor in the third round of the tournament. He had received a bye in the first round due to his superior ranking and will look to go one step better than his 2022 finals appearance in Paris.
What are your opinions on Novak Djokovic’s record-breaking career? Will the Serb surpass Federer? Let us know in the comments section below.
