Roger Federer salutes 'incredible' Novak Djokovic for breaking Grand Slam record

Federer famously became the first man to reach the mark of 20 Grand Slam victories following his spectacular triumph at the 2018 Australian Open.

Since then, however, he has seen his great rival Rafael Nadal pass that mark and reach 22 Slams, and now Djokovic has taken things a step further by clinching his 23rd Grand Slam at the recent French Open.

Ever the gentleman, Federer showed no signs of envy or sour grapes at seeing his record eclipsed, and said Djokovic's achievements were great for the game of tennis.

"I thought what Novak did is incredible," the Swiss great said during a recent event in London.

"Honestly, it's great for tennis, great for sports when tennis writes its own history and keeps on adding to it like we've seen with Serena Williams as well, Rafa then myself and now with Novak.

"It's a great time in tennis to be a fan as well, but also a player.

"I remember when I came on tour, and Pete Sampras reached 14 [slams] we thought "Okay, that one is gonna stay forever.

"Then I went to 15, I eventually ended up at 17, and then we pushed each other to 20 - I don't remember who was first - and then Rafa pushed it to 22.

"Then now Novak pushed it to 23 and he looks like he's gonna keep on doing that for a long time still to come, which is great. And I wish him all the best.

"I think also the way he's doing it still - he isn't the youngest anymore, we forget.

"He looks young and he does it in a young way, but it's not easy, and I thought it was an amazing victory. So I couldn't have been more happy."

Federer also had some kind words Andy Murray, as he saluted the Scot for continuing to battle hard as he eyes a return to the top.

"Andy is a special man and I'm very happy he's still able to play. He loves it," added Federer.

"He truly loves it. With all the complications he's had with his hip, it's amazing to see that he's still going and I think we all should give him like, a proper sort of a round of applause if you like because what he's going through and what he's achieving with what he's gone through is incredible.

"Funny enough, he just won a Challenger, I believe in Surbiton last week. I played that back in '99, lost in the semis. And he won the same week as Novak got to this incredible record of 23 slams, which also deserves so much respect.

"So I'm a big fan of Andy's as well and I wish him all the best for Wimbledon as that's his best surface in my mind, especially nowadays. So I hope he wins many, many rounds at Wimbledon in a couple of weeks."