Novak Djokovic says it is not down to him to decide if he is the greatest player of all time after he won a men’s record 23rd Grand Slam title.
Serbia’s Djokovic won the French Open on Sunday, moving him one clear of Rafael Nadal in terms of men’s majors.
He is level with Serena Williams on 23 and could equal Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 at Wimbledon in July.
“I don’t want to enter in these discussions. I’m writing my own history,” Djokovic, 36, said.
“I don’t want to say I am the greatest. I leave those discussions to someone else.”
In the past several years Djokovic has been locked in an engaging battle with Nadal and Roger Federer, who retired last year with 20 major titles, to finish with the most men’s Grand Slams.
By beating Norway’s Casper Ruud at Roland Garros, Djokovic has moved clear of his long-time rivals for the first time.
On this evidence Djokovic looks a good bet to extend the gap further, especially with the injured Nadal planning to retire in 2024 and 41-year-old Federer already retired.
“It’s amazing to know that I’m ahead of both of them in Grand Slams, but at the same time everyone writes their own history,” said Djokovic, who also regained the world number one ranking in Paris.
“I feel like each great champion of his own generation has left a huge mark and a legacy.
“I have huge faith, confidence and belief in myself and everything that I am, who I am and what I am capable of doing.
“This trophy is another confirmation of the quality of tennis that I’m still able to produce.” (BBC)
