Fans erupt over Novak Djokovic act in Wimbledon victory speech
Novak Djokovic has paid a classy tribute to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal after equalling their record haul of 20 grand slam titles with victory at Wimbledon.
Djokovic beat Italian seventh seed Matteo Berrettini 6-7(4) 6-4 6-4 6-3 on Sunday to win his sixth title at the All England Club.
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His third-straight triumph at Wimbledon also earned the World No.1 a 20th grand slam title, equalling the men's record held by Federer and Nadal.
When asked about the feat in the trophy presentation, Djokovic was all class.
"It means none of us three will stop," Djokovic said when asked what the milestone meant to him.
"I have to pay great tribute to Rafa and Roger. They are legends of our sport and they are the two most important players that I ever faced in my career.
"They are the reason that I'm where I am today.
"They've helped me realise what I need to do in order to improve and get stronger mentally, physically, tactically.
"The last 10 years have been an incredible journey. It's not stopping here."
Wonderful speech #Djokovic #Wimbledon https://t.co/hUvjKQFDQO
— Shankar R (@rshankar03) July 11, 2021
Well fought Berrettini 👏🏼
Classy speech from Djokovic, incredible #Wimbledon— casey (@casey_baughan) July 11, 2021
The fact that he respects both Rafa and Roger, and acknowledges that he's where he is today because of them. They made him the player he is today.
I love this guy! 🙌🏾🙌🏾💪🏾— TeeTee (@AdeTeeTee) July 11, 2021
Amazing winning speech by Djoker. Healthy Competition and the eagerness to improve yourself are the keys to success.
— ndotj_ (@ndotj_) July 11, 2021
ICONIC!
— SporTV (@SporTV) July 11, 2021
Very well said. We should Stop talking about GOAT and all...The 3 champs @rogerfederer @RafaelNadal @DjokerNole and the Champs before, all have shown the audience some great Tennis. Let just rejoice being part of this greatness of sport. Numbers are truly secondary...
— Utkarsh Varshney (@maverick880) July 11, 2021
Having also won the Australian and French Open earlier in 2021, Djokovic only needs to win the US Open to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to complete the calendar slam.
"I could definitely envisage that happening. I'm gonna definitely give it a shot," Djokovic added.
"I'm in great form and obviously playing well and playing my best tennis at grand slams.
"It is the highest priority that I have right now at this stage of my career. So let's keep it going."
He also completed the third leg towards achieving the 'Golden Slam'. Steffi Graf is the only player to win the four slams and an Olympic gold in the same year.
Roger Federer salutes Novak Djokovic's triumph
Federer was quick to respond on Sunday, congratulating Djokovic on Twitter.
The Swiss great has now seen the mark he set at the Australian Open in 2018 equalled twice in less than a year, first by Nadal at the French Open last October and now Djokovic.
"Congrats Novak on your 20th major," he wrote on Twitter.
"I'm proud to have the opportunity to play in a special era of tennis champions. Wonderful performance, well done!"
Djokovic dropped just two sets all tournament.
BBC pundit Tim Henman, a four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist, said: "He's just had an incredible tournament. He came in as a huge favourite and put in an absolute masterclass over the two weeks.
"No doubt that the best player won this tournament.
"He talks about his hunger and desire and motivation. He's drawn level with Rafa and Roger but there's no doubt he wants to be the leader in that conversation.
"The calendar grand slam is definitely on the cards and that would be in the men's game one of the greatest achievements in this sport."
with agencies
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