Djokovic makes history with 411th Masters 1000 win in Miami
Stay tuned with 24 News HD Android App
Serbian tennis icon Novak Djokovic reinforced his status as one of the sport’s greatest players by securing his 411th ATP Masters 1000 match victory on Sunday.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion claimed a dominant 6-1, 7-6(1) win over Argentine lucky loser Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the third round of the Miami Open, inching closer to the milestone of 100 singles titles.
Djokovic, who has spent a record 400+ weeks as world No. 1, is currently ranked fifth in the ATP rankings. However, at 37, the Serbian maestro insists that reclaiming the top spot is no longer his primary focus.
"If it comes as a consequence of great results and titles that I win in a season, then that's amazing. But that's not my objective," Djokovic told reporters after his victory.
Instead, the veteran champion emphasized that winning major tournaments holds far greater significance for him in the twilight of his illustrious career.
"My objective is to be able to play my best tennis at the Grand Slams and the tournaments where I participate. My schedule is revised, so obviously I'm not chasing ranking points," he explained.
"I'm happy to win a Grand Slam and a big tournament rather than getting to number one. Right now, that's more important for me."
With 99 career singles titles, Djokovic is within touching distance of joining an elite club of players with 100 or more tournament wins. Only Jimmy Connors (109 titles) and Roger Federer (103 titles) have achieved this feat.
However, Djokovic acknowledges that surpassing Connors’ record could prove to be a significant challenge.
"It would definitely be amazing to get to that record," Djokovic admitted.
"Connors is someone that I truly admire and respect. He's always very supportive of me in public, I'm thankful for that. It would be amazing."
"But again, it's probably more difficult to achieve that nowadays for me than maybe it was some years ago. I'll go step by step. I'll see. I don't know how long I'm going to compete. But I'm still enjoying myself when I play well."
As Djokovic continues his Miami Open campaign, fans eagerly await whether he can move one step closer to his 100th title and further solidify his legacy in the sport.