Novak Djokovic reflects on tennis idols after Australian Open victory
World No.1 Novak Djokovic has taken some time to reflect on where he stands in the all-time pantheon of tennis greats after winning his 15th career Grand Slam title.
Djokovic's record-breaking seventh Australian Open title put him ahead of his idol Pete Sampras on the all-time Grand Slam winners list, with only Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer ahead of him.
Following his comprehensive straight-sets win over Nadal, Djokovic explained the impact that tennis legends such as Sampras and Jim Courier had on him in his formative years.
"Growing up I watched Pete win his first Wimbledon, and Jim Courier, your matches were phenomenal," Djokovic told Nine.
Djokovic's comprehensive win over Nadal was among his best ever in a Grand Slam final AAP
"I was 4-5 years old and watched magnificent tennis that inspired me."
The 31-year-old, who is a father of two, also expanded on how his family supported him through his early years, before he developed his own self-belief.
"I always say that I really believe in myself and I truly do," he said.
"I was really fortunate from my really early days, to be surrounded by people who really believed in me.
Djokovic's win put him above Roy Emerson (far left) and Roger Federer for most Aus Open wins AAP
"My parents and Jelena Genčić, I called her my tennis mother. I was growing up in the '90s during times of war in my country, it was quite impossible to think I would be here today."
Djokovic explained that he was yet to truly take time to reflect on his historic achievement.
"I have to remind myself how grateful I am and how blessed I am to experience this," he said.
"I just walked off the court but when the lights are off, I'm really looking forward to that moment because it has been quite a special journey in the last 12 months.
"I will definitely do a lot of reflection and contemplating, being grateful for this moment, but at the same time I would like to keep going."
Djokovic's wife Jelena and two children were unable to be with him, but he explained the key role his family played in his pre-match preparation.
"Before the match I have [spoken to my family] and they bring me this serenity and love, exactly what I need before the match," he said.
"You're hyped, I'm the kind of a guy who likes things calm before the match.
"Speaking to them calms me down and brings me this positive energy that I carry on the court."
