I Could Not Have Been Happier For Him

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Thursday June 15, 2023

In London to open a pair of tennis courts in Greenwich, as part of his role as a Mercedes Benz ambassador, Roger Federer spoke about Novak Djokovic’s crowning achievement.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who didn’t post a congratulatory message on social media after Djokovic won his record 23rd Grand Slam men’s singles title on Sunday at Roland-Garros, praised the 36-year-old for his incredible achievement and commended him for his longevity.

“What Novak did was incredible. Honestly, it’s great for tennis and sports when tennis writes its history,” he said.

Federer, who owned a 23-27 lifetime record against Djokovic over the course of his career, expressed his belief that Djokovic looks primed to win many more major titles.

Roger Federer on Djokovic:

“Novak won 23 & looks like he’s gonna keep doing that for a long time, which is great. I wish him all the best. The way he’s doing it.. he isn’t the youngest anymore.. but he does it in a young way, but it’s not easy..I couldn’t have been more happy” pic.twitter.com/PILqfJ6veh

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 15, 2023

“We saw that with Serena, Rafa, myself, and now with Novak. It’s a great time to be a tennis fan and player. When I came on tour, Pete Sampras reached 14 Major titles, and we all thought it would stay forever. Then I went to 15 and eventually ended up at 17. Then we pushed each other to 20, I do not remember who was the first to get there, and then Rafa reached 22.

Retired Roger Federer returns to London this summer in SE2 rather than SW19. Opening a refurbished public court in Greenwich through his Neon Legacy initiative. Hails Novak Djokovic’s grand slam men’s singles record of 23 as “incredible”. pic.twitter.com/aFKmkWmIIq

— Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) June 15, 2023

“Novak is now on 23, and he looks good to keep bringing them for a long time, which is excellent. I wish him all the best. Also, we should remember he is winning titles while not being among the youngest players. Novak looks young, and he does it in a young way. Still, winning a Major is never easy, and he scored an amazing victory in Paris. I could not have been happier for him.”