"I really want Novak Djokovic to get 24 Grand Slams; I hope he gets to 24 and even a few more" - Johanna Konta
Former British No. 1 Johanna Konta has picked Novak Djokovic as the one she would like to see winning the upcoming US Open, which would mark a record-equaling 24th Grand Slam singles title for the Serb.
Djokovic has won more Majors than any other man, with 23 to his name so far. In the Open Era, he is tied with Serena Williams, who also won 23 Grand Slams before hanging up her racquet last year. In tennis history overall, only one player has won more singles Majors than Djokovic - Margaret Court, who has 24.
Court's is a record Konta would like to see equalled at Flushing Meadows in the coming days, as the Brit is someone who supports the top dog rather than the underdog. Konta, in fact, would be happy to see Djokovic add a few more Slams to his trophy cabinet after that too.
The 32-year-old said it's much harder to keep winning with the weight of expectations on one's back, which is why she's rooting for the World No. 2 to keep pushing.
"I really want Djokovic to get 24 (Grand Slams). I may be different, but I always support the top dog - not the underdog," Konta said to SkySports.
"I always feel more for the people who are expected maybe to win. I just think it's harder. It's a lot harder to achieve and keep achieving again like these big players have. Why would you not root for him to keep pushing?" she added.
Djokovic started the year with 21 Slams, trailing Rafael Nadal in the Slam race. However, he won the Australian Open to tie the Spaniard and leapfrogged him at the French Open, where he also became the first man to complete the Triple Career Grand Slam -- winning all four Majors at least thrice.
The 36-year-old then reached the final Wimbledon, only to fall to World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster five-setter. Referring to the Wimbledon result, Konta opined that it was a tough loss against a brilliant player.
She added, however, that Djokovic will not come into Flushing Meadows feeling like he has a point to prove.
"He doesn't have a point to prove. He lost a brilliant final against a brilliant player who is probably going to be the next big name in our sport. I don't think there's any point to prove. I just hope he gets to 24 and maybe even a few more just because I want that for him," Johanna Konta said.
At the US Open, the former World No. 1 will look to win his fourth title, having previously triumphed in 2011, 2015 and 2018.
Novak Djokovic seeded No. 2 at US Open, could meet Carlos Alcaraz in final
Novak Djokovic will be seeded No. 2 at the US Open this year, with Carlos Alcaraz the top seed. Their exciting rivalry, which is currently tied at 2-2, could see another edition in the final at New York.
The duo have met thrice this year, with Djokovic beating Alcaraz in the semifinals of the French Open and the youngster returning the favor at Wimbledon. They also had a meeting in the final of the Cincinnati Open last week. The Serb saved a championship point before edging a blockbuster three-setter that lasted nearly four hours.