Former world number one tips Novak Djokovic to surpass Roger Federer record

Former world number one Marat Safin believes that Novak Djokovic will ultimately surpass the Grand slam record currently held by Roger Federer.

Federer currently leads the way in slams with 20, although he has failed to add to that total for around 18 months since winning the 2018 Australian Open.

Djokovic has won four in that time, including beating Federer in an epic Wimbledon final this year, leaving him five behind.

He is also five years younger than Federer, and Safin believes that, unlike in his generation, Djokovic has plenty of time left at the top of the sport.

“I think Novak will overcome Roger,” Safin is quoted as saying in the Russian press. “He has a lot of time left. He is 32 years old, isn’t he?

“Everything is about circumstances but if he is healthy and he keeps playing this way, he will be able to perform until the 40 years of age.

“Federer was lucky: during his career, he has avoided big injuries.

“Our generation had issues – [Gustavo] Kuerten and [David] Nalbandian were bothered by a hip, me the knee. I ended at 29 years because of an injury.

“At 30 years of age, you already feel old as you have played for 15 or 16 years.”

One man who may have something to say about all this, though, is Rafael Nadal, who has 16 Grand Slam titles to his name.

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