Novak Djokovic made his goal clear as he revealed that he was aiming to break as many records as possible, including bettering Jimmy Connors for most ATP tournaments won.
World No. 1 Djokovic already holds many a record, including several that he obtained on his way to his recent victory at the Paris Masters. He made a record 17th appearance at the tournament and reached the highest-win percentage of all time in ATP Masters `1000 tournaments - 82.2 %.
Following this, his victory against Grigor Dimitrov in the final saw him become the first player to win a 7th Paris Masters title and a 40th ATP Masters 1000 trophy. He is now tied with Carlos Alcaraz for most wins on the ATP Tour this season (six) and is just three tournament victories away from becoming the third player to win 100 ATP titles.
Earlier in the season, Djokovic's win at the 2023 US Open in September saw him surpass Nadal and Serena Williams to equal Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slam titles. Meanwhile, he is currently extending his record for most weeks spent at the top of the ATP Ranking, as he has just started his 398th week as World No. 1 and looks set to reach 400 very soon.
After his win in Paris, the 36-year-old stated that he had no shame in declaring his goal of breaking every possible record before the end of his career.
"I'm going for all possible records, all that I can break. I've never had a problem saying that. And that's why people don't like me. I didn't pretend like some people... to say that it's not my goal, and then to behave differently after... I always tried to be in line with what I believe," he said.
Moreover, the Serbian player focused on the possibility of surpassing Connors for most ATP tournaments won. The American player won 109 throughout his career, while Roger Federer sits in second with 103. Djokovic currently has 97.
"As far as the record for the number of ATP tournaments won is concerned, everything is possible. Why shouldn't I try to break that record too? Now I have 12 less [than Connors] but I also have a few more years of successful tennis," he continued.
However, Djokovic also stressed the importance of each big victory to him, particularly in light of his age.
"I try to enjoy these moments that now mean and are worth double. When you consider the stage of my life and career that I am in, and to win such a big tournament. Although it may seem like a routine to people, every win at the Masters and Grand Slam levels really means so much to me," he explained.
Novak Djokovic says he’s never had a problem saying he’s trying to break all the records: “I'm going for all possible records, all that I can break. I've never had a problem saying that. And that's why people don't like me. I didn't pretend like some people.. to say that it's…
