Djokovic targets Federer total

Novak Djokovic has made no secret of his desire to match Roger Federer’s record of 20 Grand Slam titles ahead of his US Open defence.

The world number one has won four of the last five majors on offer and has 16 Grand Slam titles in total.

Djokovic is the 2.20 favourite to win the US Open outright and he says chasing down the Swiss veteran is one of his long-term goals.

“It’s still a very long way ahead of me and it does also put a certain level of responsibility to me as well, because I am aiming to do that. It’s definitely one of my ambitions and goals,” he told reporters in New York ahead of the final major of the year.

Rafael Nadal has 18 Grand Slam titles to his name and he is 3.60 to claim the US Open outright, while Swiss star Federer is available at 8.50 to secure a 21st major crown.

Djokovic will take on Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena in the first round at Flushing Meadows on Monday and he is 1.005 to win and 1.18 to claim a 3-0 victory. Carballes Baena is 15.00 to produce a huge upset and deny Djokovic a place in the second round.

Djokovic is a three-time US Open champion and has reached seven of the last nine finals in New York, having missed the event in 2017 and lost in the semi-finals in 2014.