"Novak Djokovic wants that record" - Ex-ATP pro makes daring claim on which Roger Federer record Serb wants to beat next and why

American former ATP star Sam Querrey recently claimed that Novak Djokovic intends to surpass Roger Federer's record of 103 career singles titles. The Serb took his own title tally to 101 on Saturday, November 8, after defeating Lorenzo Musetti in the final of the ATP 250 Hellenic Championship in Athens, Greece.

Querrey, a former World No. 11 who retired in 2022, touched on Djokovic's recent success in Athens on an episode of the Nothing Major podcast and brought up the Serb's yesteryear rival Federer, saying:

"That (2025 Hellenic Championship) was his 101st title. Federer has 103 titles. I think he wants to pass Federer." (from 8:02)

The 38-year-old went on to briefly explain why he thinks so, opining that it would be one more record for Novak Djokovic to statistically be the best at among the iconic 'Big Three' of himself and his now-retired former rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Jimmy Connors, with 109 career singles titles, holds the all-time record in men's singles tennis.

"I'm kind of starting to think that Novak wants that record, at least to jump Roger, because everyone talks Roger, Rafa, Novak, it's the ongoing debate. It's one more pillar that Novak can get if he jumps ahead of Roger's 103. It's like, 'oh! Well Novak's got him on that checkmark too'," Querrey added.

The Serb himself though, had something different to say in the aftermath of his title triumph in Athens.

Novak Djokovic dropped retirement hint after "goals" admission in Athens

Novak Djokovic strikes a pose with the men's singles trophy at the 2025 Hellenic Championship in Athens, Greece (Source: Getty)

The former World No. 1 and 24-time Major champion, after clinching the Athens title, told reporters during his post-match press conference that he has "achieved all possible goals" in tennis. He also suggested that if his health permits it, he will retire after proudly representing Serbia at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

"Since I’ve achieved absolutely all possible goals, I said about the 2028 Olympics because I wanted to play for so many more years. So maybe ending up at the Olympic Games with the Serbian flag, that would be nice," Djokovic said.

The Serb though, decided to end his 2025 tennis season shortly after winning the title in Athens. He had qualified for the year-end ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, but chose to skip the prestigious event citing a shoulder injury. Interestingly, his decision led to his Athens final opponent Musetti qualifying for the ATP Finals for the first time in his career.

Edited by Sudipto Pati