‘I love this sport’: Novak Djokovic desperate to win another Aus Open trophy

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has spoken of his thirst to extend his legacy at Melbourne Park — after snatching another piece of tennis history at the Australian Open.

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has spoken of his thirst to extend an incredible legacy at Melbourne Park — after snatching another piece of tennis history at the Australian Open.

As he bids to win an unprecedented 11th Australian Open crown this year, Djokovic on Wednesday surpassed the great Roger Federer at the top of the leaderboard for most grand slam singles matches played during the Open era.

Chalking his 430th match with a second round win over plucky Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria, Djokovic overtook Federer (429), Serena Williams (423) and Rafael Nadal (358) in matches played.

“I love this sport, I love competition — I try to give my best every single time,.’’he said after the match.

“It’s been over 20 years that been competing for grand slams, at the highest level.

“Whether I win or lose one thing is for sure, I’ll always leave my heart out on the court.’’

Djokovic says his goal is to play the best tennis at the Australian Open. Picture: Getty Images

Djokovic told the Herald Sun that while his time down under had come with its share of controversy, the fact the Australian Open had been his most happy hunting ground en route to a record 24 grand slam titles was not lost on him.

“Australia has been always the lucky place in terms of the achievements and the way that I play in the past,’’ Djokovic said in an exclusive interview.

“I’ve always loved playing on Rod Laver Arena and that is the goal — to play the best tennis at the Australian Open.’’

Djokovic’s off-court controversies in Melbourne include immigration detention, deportation and claims of food poisoning.

He last month told the Herald Sun he still had “a bit of trauma’’ every time he flew into Melbourne after being detained in a hotel for five days, embroiled in a legal saga and having his visa being revoked by the federal government on the eve of the 2022 AO.

But he was desperate to win at least one more trophy on Rod Laver Arena, to surpass Aussie tennis legend Margaret Court’s equal bag of 24 singles titles and stand alone as the most successful player in history.

Djokovic on Wednesday surpassed the great Roger Federer at the top of the leaderboard for most grand slam singles matches played during the Open era. Picture: Getty Images

“I obviously try to win every tournament I play in but grand slams are the top priority,’’ he said.

Djokovic’s quest for tennis immortality took another step in the right direction with a four sets win against Faria.

After a warm reception from the centre court crowd, the Melbourne Park master marched to the third round then declared he wanted to return to Victoria once his tennis days were numbered to take up surfing.

Djokovic says he always leaves his heart on the court. Picture: AFP

“After I’m done, maybe I’ll give it a try,’’ he said.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said regardless of people’s views on Djokovic, the sporting history he had achieved in Melbourne was something unlikely to ever be repeated.

“He is the all-time record holder for the most number of grand slams and in this modern era that is remarkable itself,’’ he said.

“This is kind of a second home and I know a little bit about Novak and his energy and about Novak and I know his energy will show up here.

“He has had his challenges here but he’s also had his opportunities and his great success.’’