Novak Djokovic (Photo : Getty Images)
Novak Djokovic is eyeing to eclipse career rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's Grand Slam records, according to Boris Becker.
Becker, who has been coaching Djokovic for the past two years, admitted the Serb "wants to break records" and be better than he was last year, which turned out as a very successful season for the Belgrade native. In line with Djokovic's relentless attempt to stay at the top of the tennis food chain, Becker believes Nole aims to surpass Federer and Nadal's Grand Slam records.
"He [Djokovic] wants to break records, he wants to be better now than he was last year," Becker said, reports Tennis World USA. "He's aware that Roger won 17, he's aware that Rafa won 14, that Sampras won 14. He's aware that he's now passing Laver and Borg and all that."
Djokovic, who now holds 12 Grand Slam titles following his victory at the French Open, is now only two titles away from tying Nadal and five more to level with Federer's all-time record. With two Grand Slam events remaining this year, Djokovic could close out with Nadal's 14 major titles.
Djokovic, who has won four of the last give Grand Slam events and is very well on his way to completing a calendar sweep, could start his historical quest at Wimbledon, where he bids for a fourth SW19 crown.
With Nadal skipping Wimbledon due to a left wrist injury and Federer coming off rusty performances after a back problem that forced him to skip Roland Garros, Djokovic could breeze into the final round if he could avoid a rare early round upset same to what he suffered in Monte Carlo two months ago. That leaves world No. 2 Andy Murray as the main threat to Djokovic's campaign.
Murray is becoming Djokovic's unwavering rival this season, having already battled the Serb four times this year, including two Grand Slam finals at the Australian and French Open. In all of their meetings, Murray has only defeated Djokovic once at the Italian Open, but is slowly matching the latter's level on the tennis court. With Murray entering Wimbledon as the second seed, there is a great chance these two competitors meet again in the finals.
Meanwhile, Murray's reunion with Ivan Lendl has caught the attention of many tennis pundits and players, including Djokovic himself. But the 29-year-old does not seem too concerned and rather flattered by Murray's intent to end a potential "Djoker Slam."
"It's flattering to hear that," Djokovic said, reports Sky Sports.
"I know there's been a lot of talk about a potential match-up between Andy and me, and with Ivan coming to his team, but it's still very early. We have to be respectful to all the players at Wimbledon, more than 120 players."
