Djokovic: I want to be in front of Nadal and Federer...

[beard]

Google translate...

"If you're a professional competitor, you have to have goals, something to strive for. You have to have mental peace. You need to work on something and set goals for yourself on a daily basis, short-term and long-term. For me, the two biggest long-term goals are to have the most Grand Slam titles in the history of tennis and the second to be the number one player in the history of sports for the longest time ", admitted Djokovic.

"I'm very close to achieving that other goal as well. Federer and Nadal are still playing, still winning slams. They're amazing, but I'm still fighting and that's fine. Even if I don't, it will be fine, but I have to have something that will move me"

He also added that he has no problem saying what he thinks, when it comes to that race.

"I have no problem verbalizing what I think, that's what we do. Whoever is at the top, and he doesn't talk about it, I wouldn't believe him to be completely honest," Djokovic concluded.

 

[Omega_7000]

He confidently says this because he knows there is literally nobody younger than him that can stop him....

I mean who will stop him? These guys?
The next gen i.e. Nishikori, Dimitrov, Pouille, Raonic etc.?
Or the next-next gen i.e. Kyrgios, Thiem, Shwartzman, Goffin etc.?
Or the next-next-next gen i.e. Tsittsipas, Shapovalov, Medvedev, Rublev etc.?

There hasn't been anyone on the horizon who is capable of taking the reigns over at the majors. He has a free pass to 25 majors tbh.

 

[MichaelNadal]

I understand where he's coming from but a bit of humility wouldn't hurt either. Would def be the one of the 3 that cares the most if he didn't.

 

[Lleytonstation]

Think we already knew this. It shows in his play, and his emotions... that being said...

Fed chased Pete, Rafa chased Fed, Djoker chased Rafa.... who is chasing Djoker?

 

[Biotic]

Think we already knew this. It shows in his play, and his emotions... that being said...

Fed chased Pete, Rafa chased Fed, Djoker chased Rafa.... who is chasing Djoker?

Pete retired well before Fed won anything of note.

 

[Cupcake]

It ain't braggin' if you can do it. ~ Dizzy Dean

 

[Hitman]

Djokovic channeling his inner Apollo Creed

We always have to be in the middle of the action 'cause we're the warriors. And without some challenge, without some damn war to fight then the warriors might as well be dead

 

[MichaelNadal]

Think we already knew this. It shows in his play, and his emotions... that being said...

Fed chased Pete, Rafa chased Fed, Djoker chased Rafa.... who is chasing Djoker?

This is why Fedal will always be better to me. There is really no one chasing Novak. He can still play his c-game and they will choke in every big moment.

Djokovic channeling his inner Apollo Creed

We always have to be in the middle of the action 'cause we're the warriors. And without some challenge, without some damn war to fight then the warriors might as well be dead

....Stallion"

 

[Tiki-Taka]

He is still so good that it wouldn't surprise me if he accomplishes that. I could end up being wrong but ever since the most recent Wimbledon final I felt like him setting a new record was "written in the stars"...

 

[Shu-Pak]

Love the honesty! Djoker always tells it like it is. Not like some other co-workers of his on the tour.

 

[STRONGSTYLE]

I understand where he's coming from but a bit of humility wouldn't hurt either. Would def be the one of the 3 that cares the most if he didn't.

That would be boring and a straight up lie. And you're crazy if you think they don't all care deeply about their stats, Federer asked for a wildcard into Rotterdam so he could be the oldest number 1 for a few weeks.

 

[BeatlesFan]

I understand where he's coming from but a bit of humility wouldn't hurt either. Would def be the one of the 3 that cares the most if he didn't.

Why does he endlessly talk about it, and the weeks at #1? Fed never did any of that before passing Pete in slam titles in 2009 or when he was chasing Pete's record of weeks at #1. he just went about his business and did it. Novak's already stated he's only playing for slams henceforth, he doesn't need to repeat it 2 weeks later.

 

[Shu-Pak]

It would be boring and a straight up lie. And you're crazy if you think they don't all care deeply about their stats, Federer asked for a wildcard into Rotterdam so he could be the oldest number 1 for a few weeks.

Preach brother!

 

[BeatlesFan]

Federer asked for a wildcard into Rotterdam so he could be the oldest number 1 for a few weeks.

The difference is, Fed never talked about it beforehand or endlessly touted being the oldest #1. He just showed up, won the event and accomplished it.

 

[TheAssassin]

Think we already knew this. It shows in his play, and his emotions... that being said...

Fed chased Pete, Rafa chased Fed, Djoker chased Rafa.... who is chasing Djoker?

Fed chased a number set in stone ever since he won his first Major. Djokovic has been chasing a moving target from day one and still does.

 

[beard]

Think we already knew this. It shows in his play, and his emotions... that being said...

Fed chased Pete, Rafa chased Fed, Djoker chased Rafa.... who is chasing Djoker?

No one can catch Novak, he doesn't allow that... That's what goathood is about... Novak singlehandedly destroyed duopoly in tennis and is determined to finish at top... Real goat stuff...

 

[Shu-Pak]

Why does he endlessly talk about it, and the weeks at #1? Fed never did any of that before passing Pete in slam titles in 2009 or when he was chasing Pete's record of weeks at #1. he just went about his business and did it. Novak's already stated he's only playing for slams henceforth, he doesn't need to repeat it 2 weeks later.

This is because Djokovic is NOT Federer and never will be, never pretends to be and never wants to be. He wants to be greater and better. Nole is very close to achieving this.

His honesty is very refreshing and much needed. I love that he talks about it. I'm sure it gets under other's people skin. Love it.

 

[Tennis_Freak99]

Why does he endlessly talk about it, and the weeks at #1? Fed never did any of that before passing Pete in slam titles in 2009 or when he was chasing Pete's record of weeks at #1. he just went about his business and did it. Novak's already stated he's only playing for slams henceforth, he doesn't need to repeat it 2 weeks later.

He is asked these questions by reporters that's why

 

[Biotic]

Why does he endlessly talk about it, and the weeks at #1? Fed never did any of that before passing Pete in slam titles in 2009 or when he was chasing Pete's record of weeks at #1. he just went about his business and did it. Novak's already stated he's only playing for slams henceforth, he doesn't need to repeat it 2 weeks later.

Probably because people keep asking him about it.

 

[beard]

The difference is, Fed never talked about it beforehand or endlessly touted being the oldest #1. He just showed up, won the event and accomplished it.

So it's better not to answer question if asked, to lie? I don't understand what you guys want, loool... You want honesty, but when you get honesty, you want to hear lies...
Look at his latest sentence, the golden one...

 

[ND-13]

Why does he endlessly talk about it, and the weeks at #1? Fed never did any of that before passing Pete in slam titles in 2009 or when he was chasing Pete's record of weeks at #1. he just went about his business and did it. Novak's already stated he's only playing for slams henceforth, he doesn't need to repeat it 2 weeks later.

I think it is because of reverence.

Fed revered Pete as an idol and was humble and classy.

For Djokovic, Fed and Nadal are a rival and hence the need to be more vocal

 

[Hitman]

He is asked these questions by reporters that's why

Probably because people keep asking him about it.

This. He isn't going to lie about it, when everyone and their dog knows what his goal is.

 

[TennisFan3]

Think we already knew this. It shows in his play, and his emotions... that being said...

Fed chased Pete, Rafa chased Fed, Djoker chased Rafa.... who is chasing Djoker?

No one.
That is why Novak's slam record will stand for ETERNITY.
Mankind will cease to exist in 0.2 million years.
Novan's record will stand until then.

 

[Tennis_Freak99]

People should remember that Novak lost all motivation to play 4 years back after winning RG. Setting these goals is a way for him to keep working and improving, and a reason to keep playing

 

[Deleted member 774223]

He's got current form and numerous past achievements that give him all the necessary confidence, and young players aren't making it any harder. Makes sense that he is targeting as high as possible even in his mid 30s.

 

[WildRevolver]

Why does he endlessly talk about it, and the weeks at #1? Fed never did any of that before passing Pete in slam titles in 2009 or when he was chasing Pete's record of weeks at #1. he just went about his business and did it. Novak's already stated he's only playing for slams henceforth, he doesn't need to repeat it 2 weeks later.

Have you noticed that since losing the RG final, there has been a steady media churn continuing the narrative that he will invevatibaly break the record? I really do think there is a PR agency behind the constant Novak news and narrative building (big difference between having a publicist and contracting with a full agency, in case anyone is wondering). And it makes sense--he's the one out of the three with the biggest reputation holes, the biggest PR weaknesses. I own my own PR firm, and to me, whatever that's worth, this looks like a PR entity driving the message home constantly. Why Novak would decide on that? Well, we know he desperately wants to be loved. So maybe he thinks a constant drum beat of attention is the way. I tend to think its the opposite of what he needs. He started to grow his fanbase the most in the early going of his 2018 comeback, when he and his coaches weren't constantly driving headlines and his on court behavior was calmer and not obnoxious.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

Poor little rabbit.

 

[mike danny]

Nothing wrong with what Novak said.

 

[TheAssassin]

Why does he endlessly talk about it, and the weeks at #1? Fed never did any of that before passing Pete in slam titles in 2009 or when he was chasing Pete's record of weeks at #1. he just went about his business and did it. Novak's already stated he's only playing for slams henceforth, he doesn't need to repeat it 2 weeks later.

He paid the reporters to ask him the same questions all over again just so we would have you complaining about him "endlessly talking about it".

 

[RelentlessAttack]

Nole will finish with 35-40 slams

 

[Lleytonstation]

Pete retired well before Fed won anything of note.

Doesnt make a difference. Still was chasing him.

 

[Sephiroth]

Well he doesn't want to be behind does he?

 

[Lleytonstation]

Fed chased a number set in stone ever since he won his first Major. Djokovic has been chasing a moving target from day one and still does.

Does not change the fact that there was NO ONE chasing Djoker.

 

[Lleytonstation]

No one can catch Novak, he doesn't allow that... That's what goathood is about... Novak singlehandedly destroyed duopoly in tennis and is determined to finish at top... Real goat stuff...

Well, to be caught, you have to have someone chasing you eh?

 

[Start da Game]

unfortunately he ends up with 19........

 

[TheAssassin]

Does not change the fact that there was NO ONE chasing Djoker.

Because Slam record chasing players come around every 5 years.

 

[Lleytonstation]

Because Slam record chasing players come around every 5 years.

Actually... they have till the past decade.

 

[TheAssassin]

Actually... they have till the past decade.

? Sampras broke a record that stood for decades. There wasn't even that much of a focus on that tally in the past like it is now.

And when Sampras was at the end of his career, nobody chased him either. Nobody was close at least.

It's fine to say NextGen aren't good, but wanting some double digit Slam winner "chasing" Djokovic as we speak? Fantasy land.

 

[Lleytonstation]

? Sampras broke a record that stood for decades. There wasn't even that much of a focus on that tally in the past like it is now.

And when Sampras was at the end of his career, nobody chased him either. Nobody was close at least.

It's fine to say NextGen aren't good, but wanting some double digit Slam winner "chasing" Djokovic as we speak? Fantasy land.

Fed arrived DURING Petes career and even beat him at WC... I would say the chase had started.

Rafa arrives a few years later. Djoker arrives a few years after that.

Since then, not one single double slam champion younger than Djoker. Not one.

 

[NoleIsBoat]

I think when the careers are finished, Djokovic will own all the major records and set an unattainable target. He will be GOAT of tennis forever

 

[MeatTornado]

Nothing new here (not that there's anything wrong with it).

Nadal and Federer have always talked about their love of the game and just wanting to win when asked about motivations for staying on tour. Novak's the one who has spoken openly about specifically chasing them down and breaking their records. He'll continue to talk about it until he actually does it or if it gets to a point where it's finally out of reach for him.

Maybe Fed & Rafa are full of crap and it's just PR spin. Or maybe they really are just more content with their careers than Novak is. Idk.

 

[Biotic]

Doesnt make a difference. Still was chasing him.

It does. Someone will be chasing him in the future. Maybe after he retires.

 

[Beckerserve]

I understand where he's coming from but a bit of humility wouldn't hurt either. Would def be the one of the 3 that cares the most if he didn't.

That FO2020 defeat is eating him up inside. He is losing it. These comments are indicative of a guy so obsessed he wont actually get what he seeks. And it seems Rafa has triggered him being so blase when he won FO . Nadal and Federer will be rubbing their hands together.
As you say he is making his rivals lives easier.

 

[Lleytonstation]

I think when the careers are finished, Djokovic will own all the major records and set an unattainable target. He will be GOAT of tennis forever

Possibly, but you and I both know it is TIGER.

 

[alexio]

Fed arrived DURING Petes career and even beat him at WC... I would say the chase had started.

Rafa arrives a few years later. Djoker arrives a few years after that.

Since then, not one single double slam champion younger than Djoker. Not one.

why so salty about nobody chasing him, lleyton,,it seems another guy going to overtake swiss maestro and you bothering about serbian machine..disconnectionand don't forget also that we just mere mortals and nothing will change no matter how stronk we're gonna scream

 

[Lleytonstation]

It does. Someone will be chasing him in the future. Maybe after he retires.

Ummm, like who? No one will ever win more than maybe 10 slams.

 

[Biotic]

Ummm, like who? No one will ever win more than maybe 10 slams.

You don't know that.

 

[Lleytonstation]

why so salty about nobody chasing him, lleyton,,it seems another guy going to overtake swiss maestro and you bothering about serbian machine..disconnectionand don't forget also that we just mere mortals and nothing will change no matter how stronk we're gonna scream

 

[Lleytonstation]

You don't know that.

Fed and Pete played each other. Rafa and Fed played each other. Djoker and Rafa played each other.

That is not the case with Djoker.

 

[Biotic]

Fed and Pete played each other. Rafa and Fed played each other. Djoker and Rafa played each other.

That is not the case with Djoker.

For all we know he might play a future goat in 2022.

Besides, Nadal isn't really in a disadvantage compared to Djokovic. He's only 10 months older, but had a 5 year headstart, still is going strong and far from done.

Meanwhile Pete is 10 years older than Fed. Not a valid comparison.