So far, that honor is reserved only for Australian tennis greats.
“I would be extremely flattered, honored and proud, but it’s uncomfortable for me to talk about something that isn’t there,” Djokovic said. “If that happens, of course I would be more than thrilled.
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Djokovic is statistically the greatest male player of all time, boasting a record 24 Grand Slams and 40 Masters 1000 titles, the most weeks at No. 1 (118 weeks longer than Federer) and an Olympic gold medal among an extraordinary resume cultivated in arguably tennis’ strongest era.
At 38, he is more than two years removed from his last major title, but incredibly remains one of the best players on the planet and is coming off a season in which he has reached the semi-finals of all four majors.
No man or woman has ever won 25 Grand Slam singles titles and the target is believed to be the driving force that keeps him in the game, but Djokovic arrived in the country in a state of mind.
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“I try to focus on what I have achieved, not what I could achieve,” he said.
“I hope it comes to that [winning No.25]but 24 is not a bad number either. I have to appreciate it and remember the amazing career I’ve had.’
Sinner and Alcaraz have established themselves as the men to beat over the past two years – ending Djokovic’s title hopes at the last three slams last year.
However, the incomparable Djokovic is still as big a threat to them as anyone.
That was proven last year when the super Serb knocked out Alcaraz in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open and only a hamstring injury in his next match against Alexander Zverev kept him out of the 11th final.
“Obviously the level of Sinner and Alcaraz is extremely high and I know that level because I had it with Roger and Rafa for many years,” Djokovic said.
Djokovic is enjoying his 2019 victory.Credit: Eddie Jim
“When you’re riding that wave and you’re young and you’re bursting with power and strength, it’s an amazing feeling.
“But I have the experience and the belief in myself and I hope my body holds up. That, especially in the last few years, is my biggest challenge. If my body holds up and the game is there, I can compete with anybody.”
Djokovic will break his main draw tie with Hewitt and Feliciano Lopez to join Federer on the most at 21 when he enters Rod Laver Arena to face Spain’s Pedro Martinez on Monday night.
“I know how much Lleyton cared about playing at home and he’s had a lot of longevity, especially in Australia, so it’s amazing to get past him – but I want to keep going,” he said.
“I want to see how far I can go this year. I know there are a lot of questions about whether I am physically able to maintain the level or not. But I have put in a lot of work in the last few months to get to the required level of mental and physical preparation.
“I can’t predict what will happen, but I can certainly assure myself and everyone else that I gave it my all, as I always do in slams, especially here in Australia.
“I love playing here and the results are proof of that.”
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Djokovic ranks two of his Australian Open titles above all others: the first for obvious reasons, but also his thrilling 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5 triumph over Nadal in the sport’s longest major final, which lasted five hours and 53 minutes in 2012.
The ensuing scenes are part of Melbourne Park folklore, starting with Djokovic animatedly ripping off his shirt and roaring towards his team, before the exhausted pair embraced at the net as they sat on chairs during the ceremony, a break from convention.
“On the court, it was obvious to everyone watching the match that we both physically took the last drop of energy we had out of our bodies,” Djokovic said at the time.
Reflecting on that gladiatorial battle, Djokovic said it remains one of his most treasured memories.
“I think people are still seeing it on the internet – it’s still coming up – that video of us barely standing on our feet at the closing ceremony after the game,” he said.
“It was the most physical match I’ve ever been in and I was very happy that it happened here.
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