Novak Djokovic sends a message to his doubters as he discusses Roger Federer’s record

Novak Djokovic has given his reaction after breaking another record previously held by his great rival Roger Federer at Roland Garros 2024.

The Serbian legend said he was always focused on writing his own story and expressed his desire to continue adding to his collection of tennis achievements.

Djokovic’s grueling five-set triumph over Francisco Cerundolo in the fourth round at Roland Garros on Monday was his 370th Grand Slam victory.

The 37-year-old overtook Federer, with whom he was tied on 369 wins following his third-round victory over Lorenzo Musetti, to become the Open Era men’s leader in that category.

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The 24-time Grand Slam champion also surpassed the Swiss great’s Grand Slam quarterfinal tally to stand alone with 59.

Djokovic has since withdrawn from the French Open due to a torn meniscus in his right knee – an injury he suffered during his match against Cerundolo. He was scheduled to face Casper Ruud in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

After his victory against Cerundolo, Djokovic was informed of his achievement in becoming the record holder for match wins in men’s Majors.

“It’s my first record… today!” (laughs),” Djokovic told Serbian journalists, as quoted by Sasa Ozmo.

“It’s always nice to hear that I’ve broken another record. I started writing my own story a long time ago, I’m still focused on it, and I’ve always been willing to be transparent about my desire to pursue new records.

“I’m happy to have made another one. Let’s take a little more.

Djokovic, who has endured a difficult 2024 campaign judging by his particularly high standards, also responded to criticism over his form ahead of Roland Garros.

“People like to comment, talk and judge. It’s easy to judge just sitting on a sofa, I don’t pay attention to these kinds of comments,” said the Serb.

“Since the age of six or seven, so for 31 years, I have dedicated myself every day to living the tennis life. I play an individual sport, no one can replace me.

“I have to be at my best every day in every workout, not miss a single set of treatments, and I have to constantly motivate myself.

“I feel the support and the love – my family and my team, Serbia, people all over the world give me energy – but you still have to find the real motivation within yourself, which is a whole different thing.

“After all these years and everything I’ve accomplished, it’s not easy to wake up every day with the same clarity and desire to do certain things for the millionth time.

“On the other hand, I really like it all, I appreciate it, it’s not a cliché, it’s a strong emotion, I’ve already told you that.”

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