US Open: Djokovic in the footsteps of the greatest

New York - Since his coronation at the US Open Sunday, Novak Djokovic has ten to 28 Grand Slam titles to his name and in the footsteps of the greatest legends of tennis.

After shaking hands with Roger Federer that he had just beaten in four sets (6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4), Djokovic rushed towards the tribune where were waiting, crazy joy, relatives, coaches Marian Vajda and Boris Becker and his wife Jelena.

He also praised the Scottish actor Gerard Butler, "a friend who was visiting in town," said the Serb.

Butler was particularly known for his role in the movie "300" depicting the Battle of Thermopylae, where 300 Spartan soldiers held in compliance with the huge Persian army.

"When I saw him, I yelled at him one of the replicas of this film that I love: + + We are Sparta!" Recounted all smiles Djokovic.

Gradually, the Serb is in the process of carving a beautiful and powerful empire he conquered New York his tenth Grand Slam title, his third of the season.

"I walked into the club of players to ten titles and more, it is a grand honor," he remarked.

- On the heels of Borg -

Djokovic is the eighth player to integrate this exclusive club dominated by Federer with 17 titles, ahead of Pete Sampras and Rafael Nadal (14 each).

At the rate things are going, and if it finally getting his good on clay at Roland Garros, the only Grand Slam title missing from his list, "Djoko" should quickly exceed the eleven tracks of Björn Borg and Rod Laver, Roy Emerson of the twelve.

Federer did not doubt for one second: "His career is already incredible, but it can clearly win many more titles."

"He needs to stay healthy and keep his hunger victories, but I do not doubt he'll still win," insisted the Swiss running him after his 18th major title for three years ( Wimbledon 2012).

The year 2015 Djokovic is impressive: he played eleven final twelve tournaments played and won seven, three and four Grand Slam Masters 1000!

It is even almost --Two sets in the French Open final, won in June by the Swiss Stan Wawrinka (4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4) - for that he directed the Grand Slam, ie to win the four most important tournaments in the same year.

- Eight lost finals -

A feat managed on the men's tour by American Don Budge (1938) and Australian Rod Laver (1962, 1969), but never by Federer came close in 2004 and 2007.

"Novak is an incredible competitor, he knows achieve an extraordinary level in the final," noted the former world No.1 Stefan Edberg, who advises Federer since early 2014.

Displease by the Swedes, it is not entirely accurate: Djokovic has already lost eight Grand Slam finals, including four at the US Open.

"Mentally, it was very important for him to win Novak this final of the US Open, otherwise there would have been a black spot for him here," said another former player Cédric Pioline.

Djokovic has readily acknowledged: "I am happy that my bad habit of losing finals here has ended."

But he was careful not to set a numerical target for the future. "The Grand Slam finals are always decided on some points, it is never a favorite, I just hope to find myself in position to win the future," he concluded.