Novak Djokovic expanded his Grand Slam count to 24 by clinching the US Open title and Andy Murray foresees the next-gen is by any means not even close to overtaking the Serbian’s incredible success.
Djokovic became the oldest men’s singles US Open titlist on Sunday and according to Brit, the 36-year-old’s longevity has been the greatest in the sport.
“It’s up to the young guys to be pushing Novak and looking to overtake him. It doesn’t look like that’s close to happening,” claimed Murray.
“Novak’s been an incredible player for a very long time, like Roger [Federer] and Rafa [Nadal], it’s the longevity and how long they’ve all been able to do that for. Novak’s longevity has been the greatest. He’s played at this level for such a long time now.”
World No. 1 has now won three out of the four majors this year and was just one match away from completing a calendar slam when he narrowly lost the five-set Wimbledon final to Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz.
Many also took exception to the many that were suggesting Alcaraz’s triumph over Djokovic at SW19 as changing of the guard moment. “Everyone was saying it was a changing of the guard [after Wimbledon], but it wasn’t for me.
“It was quite clear Novak had won two of the first three Slams and was very, very close in the final of Wimbledon. He proved that he’s the best player in the world again yesterday and like I said it’s up to the youngsters to improve enough to take him.”
Murray, who has played seven of his 11 Grand Slam finals against Djokovic, believes that the Serb will continue to add to his record Grand Slam haul.
“I don’t think he’s going to stop at 24 titles, but you never know how long it will last,” claims Murray. “Physically, motivation, whether someone like Alcaraz improves – he’s an amazing player Alcaraz, he’s brilliant, but to do what Novak is doing on a consistent basis is different.”
The 2-time Wimbledon champion continued, “It’s not the same as doing it for 15-20 weeks a year like Novak is doing, every time he steps on the court. I do think that Alcaraz will soon get to that level but I don’t think this is going to be the last time that Novak wins a Grand Slam.”
Murray who will be 37 in May next year, alongside Novak is returning to the match court this week for the Davis Cup Finals Group stage. Great Britain will play their group stage ties in Manchester while Serbia will play in Seville as they attempt to reach the knockout stage of the team event in Malaga.
Novak Djokovic’s 24 Title in 2023
Djokovic now holds the men’s record to win at least three GS’s of the seasons for the fourth time in his career and has won a third of the majors he has ever featured in. Here is a short review of the incredible numbers posted by the 36-year old Serbian this year:
Overall win-loss record: 45-5
GS win-loss record: 27-1
Major titles: 3
ATP Titles: 5
ATP Masters 1000 titles: 1
Weeks as world No.1: 17
ATP Current #1