Novak Djokovic shares the perspective of toppling Jimmy Connors’ record of most ATP titles

Novak Djokovic is stuck at 99 ATP titles since August last year and is striving to become the third player to reach triple figures.

Novak Djokovic shares the perspective of toppling Jimmy Connors’ record of most ATP titles

Novak Djokovic (Image via X/CGTN Sports Scene)

Novak Djokovic has spoken about his ambition to become the male player with the most ATP titles, surpassing Jimmy Connors. The Serb currently holds the records for the most Grand Slam and Masters 1000 titles but is still slightly behind in the overall ATP title race.

Djokovic believes he will do his best to reach this milestone. However, he has admitted that achieving this goal is now much more difficult than it would have been a few years ago.

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You could say so, yes. It would be incredible to achieve that record, for sure. Connors is someone I admire and respect wholeheartedly. He has always supported me a lot in public, which I appreciate. It would be amazing. However, it is probably more difficult for me to achieve now than it was a few years ago. I am taking it step by step, we will see. I don’t know how long I will keep competing, but I still enjoy it when I play well.

Novak Djokovic said in his post-match press conference (H/T: Punto de Break)

The Serb ended the 2023 season with 98 ATP titles. However, he managed to win only one more ATP title in 2024, which came at the Paris Olympics. So far this year, he has not reached an ATP final, let alone won a title.

Djokovic’s best performance came at the Australian Open, where he struggled with fitness. He defeated Carlos Alcaraz in four sets, but his injury issues worsened, leading him to retire in the semifinals against Alexander Zverev.

Novak Djokovic overtakes Rafael Nadal in Masters 1000 record

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic set a new record at the Miami Open by winning his 411th ATP Masters 1000 match. He defeated Camilo Ugo Carabelli to break his tie with Rafael Nadal. Before the tournament, Djokovic had 409 wins, just one behind Nadal. With two victories in Miami, he passed his longtime rival.

Novak Djokovic (3)
Novak Djokovic (Image via We Are Tennis)

Djokovic’s first Masters 1000 win happened nearly 20 years ago. He won his first match at this level in Paris in 2005 by beating Victor Hanescu. Since then, he has won a record 40 Masters 1000 titles. His first title came in Miami in 2007.

In 2018, Djokovic became the only player to win all nine Masters 1000 events. By 2020, he had won each event at least twice. His overall Masters 1000 record now stands at 411 wins and 91 losses. His winning rate is 81.9%, just behind Nadal’s 82%.

Djokovic is aiming for his seventh Miami Open title this year. He also wants his first Masters 1000 title since his 2023 Paris win. His strong history in Miami makes him a top contender. Fans are eager to see if he can add another trophy to his collection.

Novak Djokovic plays down World No.1 goals

24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has refused to admit that he will be in contention for the World No. 1 ranking this year or beyond. The Serb believes that the ATP rankings are no longer his goal.

No, it’s not something that matters much. If it comes as a consequence of great results and titles I can achieve in a season, then fantastic, but it’s not my goal. My goal is to be able to play my best tennis in the Grand Slams and the tournaments I participate in. My schedule is reviewed, so obviously I’m not chasing points for the ranking. Nowadays, it is different from what it was a few years ago and during most of my career. I will be happier if I win a Grand Slam and a big tournament than if I reach number one, it is more important to me right now.

Novak Djokovic said in his post-match interview

Djokovic states that his main focus is competing for Grand Slam titles and maintaining the highest standards in those prestigious events. This is unfamiliar territory for the Serb, as he is not currently holding any of the four Grand Slam titles and does not have the World No. 1 ranking next to his name.

Djokovic was last ranked World No. 1 in June last year when Jannik Sinner became the first Italian to reach the top of the world rankings. Overall, the 37-year-old has spent an astonishing 428 weeks as World No. 1, 118 weeks ahead of his great rival Roger Federer, who sits in second place.

Moreover, Djokovic has finished as the year-end World No. 1 on eight occasions. Pete Sampras comes second in this category with six.