Henman: Djokovic can better Federer’s major tally
Novak Djokovic can better Roger Federer’s record tally of major titles if he maintains the high standards he has set, Tim Henman says.
Tim Henman believes Novak Djokovic can top Roger Federer’s record grand slam haul after the Serbian beat the Swiss great in a historic Wimbledon final.
Djokovic retained his title at the All England Club with a 7-6 (7-5) 1-6 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 13-12 (7-3) victory last Sunday.
The world number one saved two match points before winning the longest singles final in the grass-court grand slam, in the first edition of the tournament since deciding-set tie-breaks were introduced at SW19.
Djokovic has won four of the last five major titles to move four behind Federer’s record tally of 20 and two short of Rafael Nadal’s total.
Henman, a six-time grand slam semi-finalist, thinks 32-year-old Djokovic could go on to surpass Nadal and Federer’s haul of major triumphs.
The Brit, a HSBC ambassador, told Omnisport: “It’s going to be very interesting to watch. He’s [Djokovic] five years younger than Federer so he’s got much more time on his side.
“The level of play that Djokovic is at right now, it really wouldn’t surprise me if he did overtake Federer in the future.”
Got @DjokerNole right where you want him? Think again…
Relive our champion’s top 10 points at #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/tX4qicTDf9
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 17, 2019
Henman feels Federer, who turns 38 next month, has at least one more grand slam victory in him.
Asked if he thinks the epic final in London was Federer’s last chance to win another major, he said: “I don’t think so. I think it’s very difficult to write these guys off that are playing at such a high level.
“Federer’s not going to be around forever but I think it’s important we all enjoy him while he’s still playing.”
Henman does not consider the classic showdown last weekend to be the greatest final he has seen, even if it ranks high up with his favourites.
He said: “It’s got to be up there as one of the best finals of all time. I still think for me the 2008 Wimbledon final [between] Nadal and Federer was probably the best match I’ve ever seen but this was a close second.”
– Tim Henman was talking on behalf of The Open patron HSBC. HSBC are once again offering free golf to children and their friends via the HSBC Hour which are taking place at over 500 clubs in the UK and Ireland. For more information, please visit: https://www.theopen.com/patrons/hsbc
