Novak Djokovic, the undisputed king of men’s tennis with a record 24 Grand Slam titles, has opened up about the profound impact Roger Federer had on his journey to becoming the all-time leader in major championships. In a candid reflection ahead of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, the 38-year-old Serbian superstar revealed how observing Federer’s approach to the game shaped his own relentless pursuit of greatness. As Djokovic prepares to chase a historic 25th Slam title, his acknowledgment of Federer’s role underscores the mutual respect that defined their legendary rivalry, one of the most iconic in tennis history.
Djokovic’s ascent to the top of the Grand Slam leaderboard—surpassing Federer’s 20 titles and Rafael Nadal’s 22—has been marked by unparalleled consistency and longevity. His 2025 Australian Open campaign saw him break Federer’s record for the most Grand Slam matches played, reaching 430 with a hard-fought victory over Jaime Faria. Yet, it was Federer’s example that Djokovic credits for unlocking his potential. “When you have someone like Roger, who’s so good, so elegant, and so successful, you learn by watching,” Djokovic said in a recent interview. “I was observing how he carried himself, how he prepared, how he managed pressure. It pushed me to raise my game to another level.” This revelation, shared during a press conference at Queen’s Club on June 16, 2025, highlights the subtle but significant ways Federer influenced Djokovic’s mindset.
The Djokovic-Federer rivalry, spanning 50 matches from 2006 to 2020, remains the most prolific in Grand Slam history with 17 encounters, including five finals. Djokovic leads 27-23 overall and 11-6 in majors, but their battles—most notably the epic 2019 Wimbledon final where Djokovic saved two championship points—pushed both players to their limits. “Roger was the better player for most of that match,” Djokovic admitted of the 2019 clash, which lasted nearly five hours and ended in a historic 12-12 tiebreak. Federer’s ability to challenge Djokovic across all four majors, becoming the only player to defeat him at each, forced the Serb to refine his game. “Facing Roger at his peak made me realize what I had to do to improve,” Djokovic said, crediting those high-stakes duels for his mental toughness.
Djokovic’s admiration for Federer extends beyond the court. He noted Federer’s professionalism and grace under pressure as key lessons. “I tried to take bits and pieces from his routine, his focus,” Djokovic explained. “He showed me you can be a champion and still be composed, still be a role model.” This approach helped Djokovic navigate his own challenges, including the intense scrutiny he faced during his 2022 Australian Open absence and his pursuit of the 2024 Olympic gold, which completed his career Golden Slam. His 100th ATP title at the 2025 Geneva Open, joining Federer (103) and Jimmy Connors (109) in an exclusive club, further cemented his legacy.
Federer, who retired in 2022, has also acknowledged the golden era they shared with Nadal and Andy Murray. “It’s nice to see Novak having an absolutely ridiculous year,” Federer said in 2012, reflecting on the depth and quality of their era. Djokovic’s 2023 season, with three majors and a record seventh ATP Finals title, echoed that sentiment, as did his 2025 Australian Open run, where he outlasted Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling semifinal. With 379 Grand Slam match wins—surpassing Federer’s 369—and a record 88.1% win percentage, Djokovic’s dominance is unrivaled, yet he remains humble about his achievements. “Grand Slams are the pillars of our sport. They mean everything,” he said after his 2025 Australian Open win.
As Djokovic eyes Wimbledon, where he trails Federer’s record eight titles by one, the influence of his rival looms large. Their shared history—17 major clashes, including unforgettable finals at Wimbledon and the US Open—has shaped Djokovic into the player he is today. “Roger made me a better player,” he said, a testament to the competitive fire that drove him to surpass Federer and Nadal in the Grand Slam race. With Federer retired and Nadal sidelined, Djokovic’s pursuit of a 25th major at 38 carries the weight of their era’s legacy, a golden chapter in tennis history defined by their extraordinary rivalry.
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