Novak Djokovic admitted his rivalries with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have played a big part in his tennis success in recent years.
After winning his first French Open title, defeating Andy Murray 3-6 6-1 6-2 6-4, Djokovic confessed he was not glad to be part of an era dominated by Federer and Nadal, who have a combined total of 31 Grand Slam titles. But Djokovic, who now has 12 major titles in his record, believes it was the rivalries from the Swiss Maestro and King of Clay that made him the most dominant tennis player in today's game.
"These two guys -- and Andy as well -- the rivalries with all three of the guys have definitely, in a big part... helped me to become a better player and helped me achieve all these things," Djokovic, who completed his first career Grand Slam, said, reports Reuters.
"The rivalries that we have are important for the sport, and in one way or another you try to compare yourself to them and what they have achieved before.
With Federer and Nadal struggling because of injuries and setbacks, this season has become the most ideal moment for Djokovic to cement his tennis legacy. Considering the way world No. 1 is playing, he could catch up with Nadal's 14 major titles and Federer's all-time record 17 Grand Slam titles.
Djokovic's aim for a calendar Grand Slam, or what he has been calling a "Djoker Slam" has become realistic as he is still the prohibitive favorite to win all major events following an impressive streak of Grand Slam wins. The 29-year-old Djokovic is also in play for a Golden Slam, a feat only Steffi Graf achieved when she won all four Grand Slam events and the Olympic Gold Medal in 1988.
"I don't want to sound arrogant, but I really think everything is achievable in life," Djokovic said.
Djokovic will have plenty of time to rest and savor one of the most important victories in his career as he gets some time off the court to prepare for Wimbledon, his next and lone tournament in the grass-court season.