BSP-01 Del Potro backs Djokovic to break Federer’s 20-Slam record

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Del Potro backs Djokovic to break Federer’s 20-Slam record

NEW YORK, Sept 10, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Juan Martin del Potro believes Novak
Djokovic can end his career as the most successful Grand Slam title winner,
surpassing Roger Federer’s current mark of 20.

Djokovic clinched his third US Open title on Sunday with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/4),
6-3 triumph over del Potro, taking him level with Pete Sampras’s mark of 14
Grand Slams.

The 31-year-old Serb is now just three behind Rafael Nadal and six back
from Federer.

“Of course he can,” said Del Potro when asked if Djokovic can claim the
record over Federer who is almost six years his senior.

“He has 14 already. He won two Grand Slams in one year. He’s healthy. He
has a great team working with him.

“Hopefully him, Rafa, Roger will still fight for Grand Slams, because it is
so nice to watch them fighting for the history. “We just do what we can
against them. But Novak has everything to make records in this sport.”

Del Potro was playing in his first Grand Slam final since lifting the US
Open title in 2009 at the age of 20, beating Nadal and Federer back-to-back.

But instead of that victory proving a launchpad for a sustained challenge
at the Grand Slams, Del Potro battled wrist injuries which required four
surgeries.

By the end of 2015, his ranking was at 581, he was deeply depressed and he
was on the verge of quitting after having to sit out at least 10 Grand Slam
events.

However, when fit he is a formidable force.

He owns 10 wins over world number one players — the most by anyone who has
never reached the top ranking themselves.

This year he defeated Federer in the Indian Wells Masters final while in
2016 he was a key figure as Argentina won a first Davis Cup.

Playing at a career high three in the world, Del Potro insists he is happy
to be playing in the era of Djokovic, Federer and Nadal.

“Of course, it is a big challenge to take these kind of tournaments to
them. But also I think we are proud to be close to these legends,” said the
29-year-old.

“I’ve been during all my career learning with Novak, Roger, Rafa, seeing
them winning these events very often. It’s amazing.

“I don’t feel sad that I couldn’t win Grand Slams because of them. I am
just one of the guys that have lucky to be in the same era as them, and it’s
great.”

Del Potro went into Sunday’s final buoyed by seeing off defending champion
and world number one Nadal who was forced to quit their semi-final with
injury.

But he had a 4-14 losing record against Djokovic, including four at the
Slams — two of them at the US Open in 2007 and 2012.

“When you see a friend holding the trophy, it’s good. I’m glad that Novak
is the champion.”

BSS/AFP/MSY/0822 hrs