Latest news with #NovakDjokovic
-2.jpeg%3Fwidth%3D1200%26height%3D800%26crop%3D1200%3A800&w=3840&q=100)
The Independent
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Inside the Hurlingham Club and the poshest event on the British sporting calendar
A fleet of Rolls-Royces line the drive. Spectators in heels and hats walk under trellises of roses, past the Orangery and members-only Polo Club, stopping to admire the wares of a handful of luxury sponsors. A peacock roams freely along perfectly-manicured lawns. This is the Hurlingham Club, home of the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic, the most glamorous sporting event of the summer. Tucked into a leafy corner of south-west London, Hurlingham is the final stop for many elite players before they travel a little further along the District Line for the pinnacle of the grass-court swing. As an exhibition event it offers participants one last weekend of semi-serious competition, against players who they may well face over the next two weeks, albeit with much higher stakes. Coming so close to Wimbledon, the Classic doesn't really have the feel of an exhibition at all – the rosé-sipping crowd aren't treated to many trick shots or tweeners. Instead, it feels like valuable match practice, a test run of Wimbledon itself, complete with all-white kit and utterly pristine grass. That's borne out by the names in action; Novak Djokovic headlines play on Friday, while top-tenners Lorenzo Musetti, Holger Rune, and Ben Shelton all enter (Musetti later withdraws). The star on Thursday is world No 4 Jack Draper, playing at Hurlingham for the first time. It's only a few miles away from his Putney home but he takes a while to acclimatise, caught off guard by a blistering start by Rune. The Dane – once talked about in the same breadth as Sinner and Alcaraz, a hotheaded, bad boy character in a potential new 'Big Three' – breaks in the first game and stays one step ahead of Draper throughout the first set, looking just that little bit sharper, to seal it 6-4. A forgettable first three points kick off the second set for Draper as he goes 0-40 down, before waking up and producing some thunderous serves – which have hitherto been few and far between – to get out of trouble. But a biased, but very polite, crowd get their wish as the 23-year-old turns the set around before taking the deciding tie-break. It's a good run-around for Britain's biggest star, against a fit, aggressive young player and a former quarter-finalist at SW19, before he starts his campaign on Monday. On Friday afternoon Stefanos Tsitsipas – now down to world No 26 – understands the brief much better. The Greek showman throws his racquet in a vain attempt to reach a drop shot from Tomas Martin Etcheverry and reacts with mock amazement at a particularly brilliant down-the-line winner of his own. The crowd murmur appreciatively at the grace and explosiveness of his one-handed backhand; Tsitsipas allows himself to marvel at it too, on occasion. He loses in the tiebreak, but doesn't seem too fussed about it. Friday's headline act is Djokovic himself, enjoying the perfect grass-court warm-up against the venomous serve of 6'6' Karen Khachanov. The Serb makes a mess of a routine overhead but even the game's premier perfectionist can laugh at himself in an exhibition. Both serve immaculately; Djokovic, at the age of 38, still looks like he was designed to play on grass. Khachanov wins 7-6(4), 6-4, but says it himself: '[Djokovic] feels at home on grass, the ball always goes in. He doesn't need to play these [warm-up] tournaments – he's always ready.' In action for the first time since the French Open, Djokovic shows few signs of rust. He misses a couple of shots he shouldn't – but neither man is playing flat out, so it feels difficult to ascribe this to poor form. "Obviously being in an environment where it resembles the official match, it's good for me – I haven't played any lead-up tournaments,' he adds. 'I still thrive being on tour, find enjoyment in competition.' It's not all Whispering Angel and on-court hijinks: over on the much smaller, more intimate Court One, the juniors contest their matches under the watchful eye of some white-clad members, keeping tabs on potential stars of the future. There are some ways in which the Hurlingham Classic feels a relic from a bygone era. The wrought-iron gates, beautifully kept rosebeds, and dolphin-shaped fountains have a hint of the old country house to them. But it's a sense felt most of all in the presence of line judges, two at each end of the court, in ties and shirts but permitted to remove their jackets in the heat. Even Wimbledon, that bastion of tradition, has retired them in favour of electronic line-calling, retaining 80 in the form of 'match assistants' to shepherd players on and off court. And while Queen's – another proud, moneyed institution – opened its doors to female players this summer, for the first time in more than half a century, the Tennis Classic remains a male-only affair. For the professionals, at least. Girls can play in the relatively new Junior Invitational, walking the same hallowed corridors as previous attendees like Carlos Alcaraz, undoubtedly the favourite for next week's real deal a few miles south-west. Djokovic himself, interviewed on court, finds his attention drifting there. 'It's a huge honour to participate in another Wimbledon, still going with the youngsters, a new generation that are exciting. That French Open final was one of the best we've seen in decades. Tennis is in good hands.' The rosé is finished, the ballkids snap selfies with the players, and the last well-heeled punters are shepherded into their Rolls-Royces. The dress rehearsals are over: it's showtime.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Everything you need to know about Wimbledon 2025
The inaugural Wimbledon Championships were held in the 1870s [Getty Images] The world's best tennis players have arrived at Wimbledon, with the Championships beginning on Monday. After Carlos Alcaraz and Barbora Krejcikova triumphed in the singles competitions 12 months ago, what will this year's tournament bring? Advertisement Here's everything you need to know. When is Wimbledon 2025? The tournament starts on Monday, 30 June and will run through to Sunday, 13 July at the All England Club. The women's final takes place on Saturday, 12 July from 16:00 BST, with the men's at the same time on Sunday. Qualifying took place from Monday, 23 June to Thursday, 26 June at the Community Sport Centre in Roehampton. Who are the key players to watch? Spain's Alcaraz will bid for a third men's title in a row after beating Novak Djokovic in the past two finals. Serbia's Djokovic, 38, continues to seek an outright record 25th major title, while world number one Jannik Sinner will hope to bounce back from losing to Alcaraz in one of the all-time great French Open finals in June. Advertisement Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and French Open champion Coco Gauff are among the favourites for the women's title. Men's world number four Jack Draper and former US Open Emma Raducanu lead Britain's hopes of a home champion in the singles competitions. Alfie Hewett will look to defend his wheelchair men's singles title and partner compatriot Gordon Reid to another doubles success. Which British players have qualified? There will be 23 Britons across the men's and women's singles draw - the most for 41 years. Draper, Jacob Fearnley, Cameron Norrie and Billy Harris all qualified for the men's singles draw by ranking. Advertisement They are joined by Dan Evans, Henry Searle, Jay Clarke, Jack Pinnington Jones, Johannus Monday, George Loffhagen, Arthur Fery, Oliver Crawford and qualifier Oliver Tarvet. In the women's draw, top-50 players Raducanu, Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal were all guaranteed direct entry. They are joined by wildcards Hannah Klugman, Mimi Xu, Mika Stojsavljevic, Francesca Jones, Harriet Dart, Jodie Burrage and Heather Watson. When is the Wimbledon draw? The Wimbledon draw takes place at 10:00 BST on Friday, 27 June. What is the prize money this year? Wimbledon will have a record £52m total prize money in 2025 - an increase of 7.1%. Advertisement The men's and women's singles champions will each take home £3m, with the £38.8m available to players in those draws representing a 8.2% increase on 2024. The winners of the men's, women's and quad wheelchair singles events, by comparison, will take home £68,000 - up by 4.6%. First-round singles losers are guaranteed to walk away with £66,000 - 10% more than in 2024. Who won Wimbledon in 2024? In 2024, Alcaraz successfully retained his Wimbledon title by beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the men's singles final. Czech player Krejcikova lifted the women's trophy by overcoming Italy's Jasmine Paolini. Advertisement Britain's Henry Patten and Finland's Harri Heliovaara triumphed in the men's doubles title, while the women's event was won by Czech Katerina Siniakova and American Taylor Townsend. How to follow on the BBC The BBC has comprehensive live coverage of Wimbledon across TV, iPlayer, radio, Sounds, online and the mobile app from Monday, 30 June to Sunday, 13 July. Viewers can watch the best of the action on BBC One, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from 11:00 BST, while every match from all 18 courts will be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app. The Wimbledon Extra channel, which will feature highlights and interviews, will be available on BBC iPlayer. Advertisement Today at Wimbledon will be available on BBC iPlayer from 21:00 BST in week one and 20:00 on week two, as well as on BBC Two every evening, to take an in-depth look at the day's best matches.
BBC News
4 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Everything you need to know about Wimbledon 2025
The world's best tennis players have arrived at Wimbledon, with the Championships beginning on Carlos Alcaraz and Barbora Krejcikova triumphed in the singles competitions 12 months ago, what will this year's tournament bring?Here's everything you need to know. When is Wimbledon 2025? The tournament starts on Monday, 30 June and will run through to Sunday, 13 July at the All England women's final takes place on Saturday, 12 July from 16:00 BST, with the men's at the same time on took place from Monday, 23 June to Thursday, 26 June at the Community Sport Centre in Roehampton. Who are the key players to watch? Spain's Alcaraz will bid for a third men's title in a row after beating Novak Djokovic in the past two Djokovic, 38, continues to seek an outright record 25th major title, while world number one Jannik Sinner will hope to bounce back from losing to Alcaraz in one of the all-time great French Open finals in Aryna Sabalenka and French Open champion Coco Gauff are among the favourites for the women's world number four Jack Draper and former US Open Emma Raducanu lead Britain's hopes of a home champion in the singles Hewett will look to defend his wheelchair men's singles title and partner compatriot Gordon Reid to another doubles success. Which British players have qualified? There will be 23 Britons across the men's and women's singles draw - the most for 41 Jacob Fearnley, Cameron Norrie and Billy Harris all qualified for the men's singles draw by are joined by Dan Evans, Henry Searle, Jay Clarke, Jack Pinnington Jones, Johannus Monday, George Loffhagen, Arthur Fery, Oliver Crawford and qualifier Oliver the women's draw, top-50 players Raducanu, Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal were all guaranteed direct are joined by wildcards Hannah Klugman, Mimi Xu, Mika Stojsavljevic, Francesca Jones, Harriet Dart, Jodie Burrage and Heather Watson. When is the Wimbledon draw? The Wimbledon draw takes place at 10:00 BST on Friday, 27 June. What is the prize money this year? Wimbledon will have a record £52m total prize money in 2025 - an increase of 7.1%.The men's and women's singles champions will each take home £3m, with the £38.8m available to players in those draws representing a 8.2% increase on winners of the men's, women's and quad wheelchair singles events, by comparison, will take home £68,000 - up by 4.6%.First-round singles losers are guaranteed to walk away with £66,000 - 10% more than in 2024. Who won Wimbledon in 2024? In 2024, Alcaraz successfully retained his Wimbledon title by beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the men's singles player Krejcikova lifted the women's trophy by overcoming Italy's Jasmine Henry Patten and Finland's Harri Heliovaara triumphed in the men's doubles title, while the women's event was won by Czech Katerina Siniakova and American Taylor Townsend. How to follow on the BBC The BBC has comprehensive live coverage of Wimbledon across TV, iPlayer, radio, Sounds, online and the mobile app from Monday, 30 June to Sunday, 13 can watch the best of the action on BBC One, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from 11:00 BST, while every match from all 18 courts will be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and Wimbledon Extra channel, which will feature highlights and interviews, will be available on BBC at Wimbledon will be available on BBC iPlayer from 21:00 BST in week one and 20:00 on week two, as well as on BBC Two every evening, to take an in-depth look at the day's best matches.
BBC News
5 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Five men to watch out for at Wimbledon
Wimbledon 2025Dates: 30 June-13 July Venue: All England ClubCoverage: Live across BBC TV, radio and online with extensive coverage on BBC iPlayer, Red Button, Connected TVs and mobile app. Full coverage details. Carlos Alcaraz will begin his bid for a third Wimbledon title in a row when the Grand Slam begins on question is - can anyone stop him?The Spanish world number two defeated seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in the previous two men's finals on Centre Court at 22-year-old could follow Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Djokovic as only the fifth man in the Open era to win three straight Wimbledon his epic French Open final triumph over world number one Jannik Sinner, Alcaraz clinched the Queen's title to start his grass-court season on a Jack Draper leads Britain's hopes of a home champion, BBC Sport takes a look at who else could challenge Alcaraz over the coming fortnight. Novak Djokovic - the history chaser Age: 38 Country: Serbia Ranking: 6 Strength: Defence Djokovic had won four Wimbledon titles in a row before losing a five-set thriller to Alcaraz in also swept Djokovic aside a year later to again deny the former world number one a record-equalling eighth men's continues to pursue an outright-record 25th major singles title since drawing level with Margaret Court at the 2023 US Open.A new era in men's tennis has dawned, with Alcaraz and Sinner sharing the past six slams between them - and seven of the past eight since Alcaraz's first Wimbledon title two years Djokovic, behind only Roger Federer for men's titles won at SW19, remains an ever-present threat on the sport's biggest stages - not least on grass - as he pursues yet another historic feat. Jannik Sinner - the world number one Age: 23 Country: Italy Ranking: 1 Strength: Precision Sinner was devastated by his loss to Alcaraz at Roland Garros, missing three championship points after taking a two-set lead in a five-and-a-half hour has reached at least the quarter-finals at Wimbledon in the past three years, with his best result a semi-final defeat by Djokovic in a surprise second-round loss to Alexander Bublik at the Halle Open this month cut short the world number one's has maintained his stranglehold on the top ranking for 12 months, despite serving a three-month doping suspension earlier this means he can only meet second seed Alcaraz in the final - something that would be eagerly anticipated after their Roland Garros thriller. Alexander Bublik - the unpredictable threat Age: 28 Country: Kazakhstan Ranking: 30 Strength: Drop shot Bublik's resurgence continues to gather Kazakh's career had stagnated to the point that he considered quitting tennis after losing in the Wimbledon third round last lost eight of his first 10 matches in 2025 as he fell to 82 the rankings, but his coach's suggestion of a "Hangover"-style reset in Las Vegas appears to have worked reaching his first major quarter-final with a superb run at the French Open, the unpredictable Bublik won the Halle Open to rise to 30th in the victory over Sinner was one of four wins over the top-eight seeds on his way to an emotional title triumph - proving that, on his day, he is a match for anyone. Daniil Medvedev - the nearly man Age: 29 Country: Russia Ranking: 9 Strength: Return A Wimbledon semi-finalist in each of the past two editions, can Medvedev take the next step this year?Medvedev is one of just five active men's players to win a major, having triumphed at the 2021 US Open - but he has lost his five other major former world number one is a hard-court specialist - his six major finals have been split between the Australian Open and US Open - but he has a solid recent record at was stopped by eventual champion Alcaraz in the last four in both 2023 and 2024, winning the first set in last year's meeting on Centre Court before being prepared for this year's tournament by reaching the Halle final, losing to Bublik in straight sets, and will expect another deep run at Wimbledon. Jiri Lehecka - the dark horse Age: 23 Country: Czech Republic Ranking: 25 Strength: Forehand Lehecka crashed the party at Queen's by beating Draper on route to the final, where he offered admirable resistance in a three-set loss to 23-year-old reached a career-high rank of 22 in February after winning his first eight matches of the year, clinching the Brisbane title before losing to Djokovic in the Australian Open fourth round.A run to the Madrid Open semi-finals last year - where he beat the great Rafael Nadal and Medvedev - was ended by an unfortunate back injury, which ultimately ruled him out of to full fitness this year, he demonstrated his grass-court pedigree at Queen's and will look to maintain that momentum to improve on his fourth-round appearance at Wimbledon in 2023.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
6 hours ago
- Sport
- First Post
If Djokovic has another Slam title left in him, it can well be Wimbledon this year
Novak Djokovic is still chasing history at the age of 38. He already has 24 Grand Slam titles under his belt and is looking to win another one. As Wimbledon 2025 nears, we look at why Djokovic might still have one last Slam left in him. read more Roger Federer won his last Grand Slam title – the 2018 Australian Open - at the age of 36. Rafael Nadal won his last Grand Slam title – the 2022 French Open – at the age of 36. There is only one member of the 'Big 3' club who is still an active tennis player. He is currently 38 years old and he won his last Grand Slam title – the 2023 US Open – at the age of 36. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Djokovic still believing at 38 Over a span of 15 years (2008 to 2023), Novak Djokovic managed to do what neither Federer nor Nadal could – get to the magic number of 24 Grand Slam titles – the all-time record held, for the longest time solely, by Margaret Court (pre and post Open Era combined). The big question though is – can Djokovic pull one last rabbit out of the hat and go past the Swiss Maestro and the Spanish Matador one more time and win a Grand Slam title after the age of 36? I still distinctly remember the Sunday when Novak Djokovic won his first Grand Slam title. It was the 2008 Australian Open final and Djokovic was playing Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. A potential Federer vs Nadal final had not materialised, with both stalwarts faltering at the semi-final stage. After that title win at the Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic didn't win a Slam title till 2011 (a year in which he won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open). Needless to say, in the interim, many experts felt the 2008 Aussie Open title was just a flash in the pan. That was 17 years ago. Little did I or anyone else watching and tracking the Australian Open final of 2008 realise that in these 17 years the Serb who first made his presence felt as quite the disruptor in men's singles tennis, would go onto become the joint most successful tennis player of all time (Tied with Margaret Court). With as many as 24 Grand Slam singles titles to his name, outstripping Federer and Nadal (something which back in 2008, even after the Aussie Open title win, no one would have thought to be even remotely possible), the name Novak Djokovic is an immortal one. But he is still choosing to play on. And can you really point any fingers, considering he is still making semis and finals cuts at the Slams? What experts are saying At the recently concluded French Open, where Carlos Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner in a final that could well challenge the 2008 Wimbledon final between Federer and Nadal, as the best men's singles Slam final ever played, Djokovic made it all the way to the semi-finals, eventually losing to Sinner. The Serb didn't drop a single set in his first four matches at Rolland Garros this time, beating much younger opponents. That statistic changed only in the quarter-final where he beat Alexander Zverev, seeded three places above him and the 2024 runner-up, in four sets (4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4). Not bad for a 38-year-old, eh? I spoke to former India singles tennis player, Somdev Devvarman, who played all four Grand Slams, recently and Som was clear that Djokovic was right up there, in terms of quality, at the year's second Slam, this time. 'You have to remember that the guy (Djokovic) made the Wimbledon finals (in 2024) on one knee and who did he lose to? (in the final) – to Carlos Alcaraz. At the French Open also, I think he was better than every single person in the field, except two guys (Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner),' Somdev said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While Som backed Djoko's game, there are others who feel it will be impossible for the man once nicknamed 'the Djoker' to win another Slam title. Earlier this year, former French player turned analyst Nicolas Escudé was quoted as saying by Eurosport France – '…yes, he (Djokovic) is on a downward slope. At the beginning of the year (2025), we already asked ourselves the question about Novak Djokovic and, in my opinion, I don't see him winning a Grand Slam anymore; it's far too complicated for him…' It's understandable that some people, like Escude, feel that the greatest men's player of all time will not hold Slam silverware ever again in his career. The number one reason for that is of course age. It catches up with everyone, doesn't it? And hand-in-hand with age comes declining physical prowess. We saw Rafa Nadal carrying on, hoping against hope and playing through multiple injuries and physical setbacks, trying to win that elusive 23rd Slam title. But he couldn't. Federer realised after his third knee surgery in August 2021, that the writing was on the wall. He announced his retirement a year later. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Djokovic tore his meniscus cartilage (in the knee) at the French Open last year and had to limp off, before subsequently undergoing surgery. Many have cited that as a potential sign that his body will not allow him to go all the way to a Slam title, in other words play seven best of five-set matches. But then, are we forgetting that Djokovic recovered from that surgery in almost miraculous fashion and made it all the way to the final of Wimbledon? Many felt he had done it on one leg! Combine that with what we saw at the French Open this time and all it might take is a couple of results going his way, right? After all, the man is making Grand Slam semi-finals at the age of 38. That is, simply mind-blowing. '…if he (Djokovic) is still going to play at that level, if he is still going to be that highly ranked, if he is going to be that much of a threat, then I wouldn't put it past him (winning another Grand Slam title), because he has made the finals of Wimbledon on one leg,' Somdev Devvarman further said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The biggest reason perhaps that Djokovic's critics feel he won't be able to get to Grand Slam title number 25, is the meteoric rise of the top two players in the world currently, in men's singles - Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. The two of them have won the last six Slam titles between them and have undoubtedly left the rest of the 'new generation' pack well behind them. But let us not forget that while Djokovic might not have the legs and overall stamina that the young guns have, he has tons of experience working for him. That coupled with an extremely analytical tennis brain. Don't forget that after a long time of losing to Federer and Nadal, he figured out ways to beat both those legends, at their own game. Have absolutely no doubt about the fact that he is studying Alcaraz and Sinner very, very closely. He might not have that aura of invincibility anymore, but he's still very much there. Waiting. Hoping. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Djokovic's Wimbledon hope If there's one Slam title that Djokovic feels he might still realistically have in his sights, it could well be Wimbledon. He probably doesn't have the physical gumption left to win one more at his favourite Slam – the Australian Open (he has won it a record 10 times – most in the Open Era). In this year's Aussie Open, he managed to beat Alcaraz in the quarter-finals and reach his 12th semi-final at Melbourne Park, but then had to retire in that clash against Zverev, after losing the first set. The grass at SW19 is not as fast as it used to be, because of the way it's maintained mostly, but of course it's faster than what Djokovic is coming off - clay courts - and that suits his current game which doesn't lend itself to very long rallies. Djokovic is also a very strong baseline player and over the years He is also one of the, if not the best, returners of serve in the men's game. And that will hold him in good stead even against big servers, like Sinner – who has modified his serve to make it way more booming and often goes for broke, directing pin-point serves to the body, even on second serve. The road to No. 25 won't be easy There's no doubt that Djokovic's biggest hurdle at Wimbledon will be Alcaraz – the two-time defending champion, who is aiming to become just the second player to win the French Open, the Queen's Club title and Wimbledon in the same year and who some feel is the most complete player on the tour right now. For many, Alcaraz's incredible ability to know For some experts, including Somdev, Alcaraz is already an all-surface great. Sinner hasn't managed to do carve out a niche for himself on the grass of SW19 yet, with his best performance so far there being a semi-final appearance (2023), but that doesn't mean Djokovic will have it easy against the 6-foot-3-inch-tall Italian. This time, Djokovic and Sinner are in the same half of the Wimbledon draw, which means they could potentially face-off in the semi-finals. As per the draw, in the quarters, Djokovic could face British World Number 3, Jack Draper. Alcaraz is on the other side of the draw and will be the favourite to win complete a hat-trick of titles. Though the Spaniard has almost seamless made the transition from clay courts to grass – winning the French Open and then the Queen's title - what is he slips up? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'What if the other guys (Alcaraz and Sinner) lose? A lot of things can happen. So, I would say he (Djokovic) is still very much in the hunt, but obviously time is ticking,' said Somdev. Remember what the man himself said? 'Wimbledon is next, which is my childhood favourite tournament. I'm going to do everything possible to get myself ready. I guess my best chances maybe are [at] Wimbledon or a faster hard court, maybe Australia or something like that.' Djokovic has achieved everything that there is to achieve. He even ticked off the box of 100 career titles by playing and winning a third-tier event in Geneva in May to join an exclusive club, which has only Jimmy Connors (109 titles) and Federer (103 titles) as the other members. But he will be thinking of a few more milestones. One more Wimbledon title will see him equal Federer's record of eight titles. It will also see him go past Margaret Court as the sole record holder of most singles Slam titles, with 25. He might have mellowed with age, but finishing on top of the pile has perhaps always been the biggest ambition that fuels his fire. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After all, when he was on Slam title number 16, with Federer on 20 and Rafa on 18, this is what he had said ahead of the 2019 US Open, when asked about his desire to be the all-time most successful player: 'It does also put a certain level of responsibility on me as well, because I am, you know, aiming to do that (become the player with the maximum Slam titles)…It's definitely one of my ambitions and goals, if you want.'
