There's just no separating the Big Three at the moment. Novak Djokovic equaled Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's record of 20 Grand Slam titles with a thrilling 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 win over Matteo Berrettini in the final of the 2021 Wimbledon Championships on Sunday.
The world number one needed three hours and 23 minutes to record the four-set victory and grab his sixth Wimbledon title. However, the championship win did not come easy for Djokovic, who trailed by a set for the first time since the tournament's opening round.
Djokovic survives Berrettini challenge to win record-tying 20th Slam
Djokovic thrives in this kind of challenge, though. Just like in his five-set win against Stefanos Tsitsipas in last month's French Open final, Djokovic came storming back, dominantly taking the next three sets to snap Berrettini's 11-match winning streak on grass.
Djokovic extended his winning streak on grass and at the All England Club to 21 matches, each with the victory. Coincidentally, Djokovic is also in the midst of a 21-game unbeaten run at Grand Slam tournaments, winning the Australian Open and French Open earlier this year.
Djokovic was ecstatic in his post-match interview as he paid homage to his two greatest rivals, saying, "I have to pay a great tribute to Rafa and Roger as legends of our sport, the two most important players in my career and why I am the player I am today. They made me realise what I needed to improve, mentally, physically and tactically."
"When I first broke into the Top 10, for three or four years, I lost most of the big matches against these guys and something shifted at the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011. The past 10 years have been an incredible journey and it's not stopping here," Djokovic added.
Related Article: 2021 Wimbledon Finals: Djokovic Outlasts Shapovalov, To Face Berrettini for Grand Slam No. 20
Djokovic targets Calendar Grand Slam
The next step for Djokovic is achieving the highly difficult calendar Grand Slam. Only five players in the history of the sport have accomplished that feat, Don Budge in 1938, Rod Laver in 1962 and 1969, Maureen Connolly Brinker in 1953, Margaret Court in 1970, and Steffi Graf in 1988.
Djokovic remained on course for the even rarer "Golden Slam," as he will compete at the Tokyo Olympics later this month. Graf is the only player to win all four majors and the Olympics in a calendar year, with the German legend pulling off that feat back in 1988.
When asked about that historic pursuit at the post-match ceremony, Djokovic was confident he can achieve the impossible and claim the title wins at the Summer Games and the US Open, saying, "I could definitely envisage that happening and I hope I will give it a shot. I'm in great form and played well and having my best form at Grand Slams is my number one priority."
The sky's the limit for Djokovic, who John McEnroe said should win at least 25 Grand Slam titles before his career is over. The race to become tennis' GOAT (Greatest of All Time) is now on, and Djokovic is undoubtedly up for the challenge.
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