Novak Djokovic (Photo : Getty Images)
Boris Becker claimed that Novak Djokovic does not eye eclipsing Roger Federer's Grand Slam record of 17 titles, describing the feat as "farfetched" for the Serb.
In an exclusive interview on Laureus' official website, Becker, who has been coaching Djokovic since 2014, talked on behalf of the world No. 1 getting nominated a second straight time for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award.
The German and former world No. 1 himself revealed Djokovic's main goals in his career, which apparently do not include breaking career rival Roger Federer's all-time Grand Slam record.
"Can he overtake Federer's 17 Grand Slams? At the moment, that's far-fetched," Becker said.
"That's not on our agenda and quite frankly not our goal. The goal is to play this year as well as possible, win as many tournaments and Grand Slams as we can."
Djokovic is arguably on pace to eclipse Federer's record, with the 28-year-old Serb dominating the competition in the past two seasons. He has won four of the last five Grand Slams, including the Australian Open, where Djokovic defeated world No. 2 Andy Murray for a sixth title at the tournament.
This year, Djokovic has compiled a remarkable 14-1 record, including titles in Doha and Melbourne. Djokovic could have had an untainted record this season, but an eye problem forced him to retire from his quarterfinal match against Feliciano Lopez at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
But in contrast to Becker's claims, Djokovic has a chance to catch up with Federer's record if the Swiss Maestro continues his Grand Slam title drought.
Federer has not won a major title since Wimbledon in 2012, and is unlikely to immediately enter Grand Slam conversations with the Swiss recovering from a knee surgery that repaired a torn left meniscus, which was suffered a day after his Australian Open semifinal loss against Djokovic.
Meanwhile, Djokovic joins the likes of NBA MVP Stephen Curry, Barcelona football star Lionel Messi and golf's world No. 1 Jason Day.
The Belgrade native has already won the award in 2012 and 2015, and could have a third Laureus trophy once the body presents its winner on Apr. 18 in Berlin, Germany.
Djokovic is set to compete and help Serbia host Kazakhstan at the Davis Cup World Group first round tie this weekend, where the Serb opens against Aleksandr Nedovyesov.
"I have known Nedovyesov from his junior days," Djokovic said, reports ESPN. "I have seen him play several times, but I am cautious because surprises are possible in such matches."
