Novak Djokovic: 'Roger Federer's always the favorite, if...'

Novak Djokovic has never hidden that his great goal is to break Roger Federer's Grand Slam record and also jump to the top of the week rankings as ATP number 1. It is useless to deny that the Serbian phenomenon has thrown away a great chance at the US Open, where he was super favorite to win his 18th career Slam. Nervousness played a trick on the Belgrade champion, who accidentally hit a line judge with a ball and incurred disqualification. Nole will try again at Roland Garros, where he won only in 2016 in the final against Andy Murray. Djokovic has won the title at the Internationals of Italy for the fifth time, an excellent calling card for the Parisian Grand Slam, which this year will be played in very different conditions than usual. The Coronavirus emergency has in fact led to the postponement at the end of September. In an interview released in Rome, the Serbian once again praised his eternal rivals.

Djokovic on Roger Federer

“Roger Federer is going to come back. Regardless of his age, he’s always the favorite, if he’s feeling good physically. He’s always up there. He keeps on proving to everybody wrong that he can make it. He’s been reaching finals of Slams in last couple of years,” Novak Djokovic said during a media interaction at the Italian Open 2020. With the French Open coming up, Djokovic wants to take things one tournament at a time. “I’m trying to focus only on that tournament and not thinking about the far future. Because we don’t really know what it brings,” Djokovic added. Things will again get very interesting with the Grand Slam record once Federer returns next year. Rafael Nadal is back to competing again and played his first event in over six months at the Italian Open. “The race is, of course, there. But, you know, hopefully, Rafa and I can stay healthy. And with Roger back it’s gonna be great for our sport,” Djokovic said further. Triumphing at the Foro Italico in Rome, Novak posted his 81st professional title, 36th in the Masters 1000 category. “It was a great week. A very challenging week. I don’t think I played my best tennis throughout the entire week, but I think I found my best tennis when I needed it the most in the decisive moments today, yesterday [and in] practically every match,” said Djokovic. “That definitely makes me very satisfied and proud that I managed to find that fifth gear when it was most needed. Turning to Paris, I couldn’t ask for a better tournament here in Rome. Another big title and [I am] super pleased with it.”

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3kDdPlz