Djokovic after surpassing childhood idol Sampras for second in all-time Number 1 list: "I always looked up to him, and I wished to be mentally strong and resilient as he was"

Novak Djokovic produced a milestone after passing his childhood idol Pete Sampras into second place in the all-time list of most weeks at World Number One.

Djokovic paid tribute to Sampras and called it 'very special' to achieve this milestone while also speaking of his admiration for him.

“Pete was my childhood idol growing up, so of course surpassing his record is very special to me,” said Djokovic, who today won the Internazionali BNL d'Italia title for the fifth time.

“I always looked up to him, and I wished to be mentally strong and resilient as he was, especially in the big tournaments, in the big moments. He's one of the most mentally composed and toughest players ever to hold a racquet. Being a World No. 1 for so many weeks proves how tough he was.”

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What's next for Djokovic? Well he has 310 weeks in his sights and the Number One spot held by Roger Federer which he could pass by next March.

“This is one of my two biggest professional goals,” said Djokovic. “To reach the record of, [and] surpass Roger's record for longest [time at] No. 1 and win as many [Grand] Slams as possible. I have been saying that before, so I'm working towards that. I'm at a good place right now, in a good position. Hopefully I can stay healthy and continue to play well.”