Djokovic reaches 102 and narrows the gap on Federer and Connors

Novak Djokovic continues to expand a collection of titles that has long ceased to seem human. With his victory at the ATP 500 in Beijing, the Serbian reached 102 singles titles and is just one title away from Roger Federer and seven from the historic record of Jimmy Connors in the Open Era.

The ranking is a perfect snapshot of the magnitude of the great champions of the last few decades. Connors remains at the top with 109 titles, followed by Federer with 103 and Djokovic with 102. Behind them are Ivan Lendl, with 94, and Rafael Nadal, who closed his career with 92. Five names that have marked an era and, each in their own way, have taken the concept of competitive longevity to extraordinary limits.

Federer, the next target in Djokovic's pursuit

The uniqueness of the current moment is that Djokovic is still competing. While Connors, Federer, Lendl, and Nadal have their numbers frozen, the Serbian keeps an account open that could continue to grow. The title in Beijing is not just the number 102: it is also confirmation that he still has statistical goals within reach.

The first seems obvious. Federer is just one title away, so a new title from Djokovic would allow him to equal the 103 victories of the Swiss in ATP tournaments. Next would be Connors, still seven titles ahead, a considerable distance but not completely unimaginable for a player who continues to find ways to compete at the highest level at 39 years old.

And there is another fact that further emphasizes the significance of the figure. Djokovic has achieved his 102 titles in a career that also includes 24 Grand Slams, the historic record in this category, as well as countless weeks as world number one. The statistical battle did not end in Beijing. In fact, a new chapter has just opened. Federer is at the minimal distance. Connors continues to look from the top. And Djokovic, against the passage of time, still has the racquet in hand.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic alcanza los 102 títulos y estrecha el cerco sobre Federer y Connors