Novak Djokovic sends message to his doubters as he discusses breaking Roger Federer record

Novak Djokovic has given his reaction to breaking another record previously held by his great rival Roger Federer at the 2024 French Open.

The Serbian legend declared he is still focused on writing his own history and expressed his desire to keep adding to his collection of tennis accomplishments.

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

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

Top 8 most men’s Grand Slam match wins as Novak Djokovic surpasses Roger Federer

The 24-time Grand Slam champion also surpassed the great Swiss’ total of Grand Slam quarter-finals reached to stand alone on 59.

Djokovic has since withdrawn from the French Open due to a torn meniscus in his right knee — an injury he sustained in his match with Cerundolo. He was set to face Casper Ruud in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.

Following his victory against Cerundolo, Djokovic was told about his achievement of becoming the record holder for match wins at men’s Majors.

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

“It’s always nice to hear that I’ve broken another record. I started writing my own history a long time ago, I am still focusing on that, and I was always willing to be transparent about my desire to chase new records.

“I am glad that I’ve achieved another one. Let’s get some more.”

Djokovic, who has endured a challenging 2024 campaign judged by his uniquely high standards, also addressed criticism of his form heading into Roland Garros.

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

“Since I was six or seven years old, so for 31 years, I’ve dedicated every day to living the tennis life. I play an individual sport, there is nobody who can substitute me.

“I need to show up at my best on a daily basis in every practice, not to miss one round of treatments, and I have to motivate myself consistently.

“I feel the support and the love – my family and my team, Serbia, people from all over the world giving 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 that I’ve achieved, it’s not easy to get up every day with the same clarity and desire to do certain things for the millionth time.

“On the other hand, I really love all of that, I enjoy it, it’s not a cliche, it’s a strong emotion, I’ve told you guys already.”

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