Novak Djokovic Backed To Surpass Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal's Grand Slam Tally

Juan Martin del Potro and Novak Djokovic — Juan Martin del Potro wouldn't be surprised if Novak Djokovic surpassed Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's Grand Slam tally. In this picture, Djokovic of Serbia poses with Del Potro of Argentina after winning his men's Singles finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City, Sept. 9, 2018. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Juan Martin del Potro believes Novak Djokovic can certainly pass Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal when it comes to Grand Slam titles.

Djokovic continued his career resurgence by winning his third US Open after a straight-set victory over Del Potro in the final Sunday.

🏆🏆🏆@djokernole defeats Del Potro 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 to win his 3rd title in Flushing Meadows!

He now ties Pete Sampras for third place all-time on the Grand Slam singles titles list with 14.#USOpen pic.twitter.com/xwzzmr22E0
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2018

Following his win at Wimbledon earlier in the summer, it now takes the Serbian's Grand Slam tally to 14, level with Pete Sampras, three behind Nadal and six behind Federer.

And given his recent form, which is similar to that of 2016 when he became just the third player in tennis history to win four Grand Slams in a row, Del Potro would not be surprised to see him break all the records.

"Of course he can," Del Potro said after the match, as quoted on Yahoo. "He has 14 already. He won two Grand Slams in one year. He's healthy. He has a great team working with him."

"Hopefully him, Rafa, Roger will still fight for Grand Slams, because it is so nice to watch them fighting for the history. We just do what we can against them. But Novak has everything to make records in this sport."

Djokovic's win at Flushing Meadows will now see him move up to No. 3 in the rankings, overtaking Del Potro who now dropped to No. 4.

Nadal and Federer still occupy the No. 1 and 2 spots respectively, and despite reaching his first Grand Slam final since 2009 when he won his only major at the US Open, Del Potro is grateful to play in the era of the Big Three.

"Of course, it is a big challenge to take these kind of tournaments to them. But also I think we are proud to be close to these legends," the Argentine added. "I've been during all my career learning with Novak, Roger, Rafa, seeing them winning these events very often. It's amazing. I don't feel sad that I couldn't win Grand Slams because of them. I am just one of the guys that have lucky to be in the same era as them, and it's great."

As for Djokovic, he's proud to be part of an era alongside Federer and Nadal, reiterating how the duo's presence in the sport only made him a better tennis player.

"Maybe 10 years ago I would say I’m not so happy to be part of this era with Nadal and Federer," Djokovic explained. "Today I really am."

"I feel like these guys, rivalries with these guys, matches with Federer and Nadal, have made me the player I am, have shaped me into the player I am today. I owe it to them."

The current rankings as of Monday can be seen below. Djokovic could still return to the summit for the first time since November 2016 and end the year as the No. 1.