Here’s why Novak Djokovic considers the world ranking record as his biggest goal


Despite winning just one Grand Slam this year, 2020 has been an outstanding year for Novak Djokovic. While he hasn’t won too many titles, his form throughout the season has been dominating, to say the least, even holding a magnificent 39-2 record. He is fast approaching two very monumental records – both in relation to being the world no. 1.
The Serb is in pole position to replace Roger Federer on the list of most weeks spent as world no. 1, with him only 18 weeks away from clinching the record. He is also almost certain to secure the year-end world no. 1 position this year too, equaling a record set by American Great, Pete Sampras. While he will be able to do that consecutively as Pete did, it is a significant achievement in itself.
Novak Djokovic’s views on the GOAT criteria

Following his hard-fought victory over Borna Coric at the Vienna Open, he gave an interview to Sasa Ozmo for the Tennis Majors website. In the interview, he gave his views on why the world no. 1 ranking records are also comparable to the general criteria (Grand Slam titles).
He said, “From what I have seen and it is obviously so, most people that follow and love tennis are emphasizing Grand Slam titles and weeks at No. 1 in the world, as well as year-end number one seasons. I do not know which one I would choose as the most significant; for me those two are perhaps equally important.”
The Serb opines that since Grand Slams are a yearly event with four opportunities each year, amassing a huge number of those doesn’t require the amount of motivation and consistency required to maintain the World No. 1 rank. This is the main reason why he feels that taking this monumental record from Roger Federer is most important to him.
On this, he said, “You could argue that a player has a greater chance of blossoming, playing tennis of his life in those two weeks and winning a Slam compared to odds of a player maintaining that rhythm and level of play throughout the year, which would make him the world No. 1 at the end of the season. That is why the historic No. 1 (record) is the biggest goal of mine at the moment because I know how difficult and demanding it is. I am very close and I hope I will achieve that goal.”
Not getting too ahead of himself, Novak refuses to comment on who the GOAT actually can be, and leaves that up to public and expert opinion.
Novak Djokovic: Borna Coric is a great fighter

Djokovic faced Croat World No. 24 Borna Coric in the second round of the Vienna Open on Wednesday. While many would have expected a walk in the park for the Serb world no. 1, it turned out to be anything but that. The first set was a very tight one, with Djokovic having to save four set points and take it to the tiebreaker. The tiebreak was also lengthy; Djokovic had to bring his best form and get some crucial points on the way to a 13-11 tiebreak win. The second set turned out to be more straightforward in the Serb’s favor, however.
In the on-court interview after the match, he praised Coric, even calling the Croat’s playing style similar to his own. He said, “It [the match] was very tiring and very challenging. Obviously Borna is a great fighter. He’s a very good friend of mine. Off the court we’ve known each other for quite a long time.
He continued, “He has kind of a similar style of tennis as I do. From the backhand corner [he’s] very solid [and he is] trying to create points with his forehand. He was serving very well, especially in the first set. It was very difficult for me to return his serve.”
After this victory, Novak Djokovic has all but sealed the year-end World No. 1 position.
Also Read: Novak Djokovic thinks family celebrations are more important than sports achievements
Yash Vinod
(82 Articles Published)