Novak Djokovic may aim to improve Roger Federer after ATP Finals triumph

Novak Djokovic may not have finished the year at the top of the men's tennis charts, but the rejuvenated Serbian is undoubtedly the man to beat heading into 2023. Djokovic finished a season without precedent impacted by his reluctance to vaccinate against Covid-19 by equaling Roger Federer. record six ATP Finals crowns in Turin.

The 35-year-old is ranked No. 5 in the world after being unable to play the Australian Open and US Open this year due to his vaccination status. And ranking points were also not up for grabs as he won his 21st Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in July.

Carlos Alcaraz - the youngest year-end No.1 - has a lot of work to do to eclipse Djokovic at the Grand Slams next season. The Spaniard represents the sport's present and future, but many expect the irrepressible Djokovic to add to his Grand Slam tally at least once next season.

And there are just two horses left in the hunt for Grand Slam victories, with the iconic Big Three claiming 63 of the sport's most prestigious titles in a remarkable period of shared dominance. Rafael Nadal holds the record with 22 Grand Slams, but the Spaniard has been derailed by injuries lately and couldn't add to his monumental victory in Melbourne and his 14th French Open triumph.

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Meanwhile, the relentless Djokovic is looking fresher than ever and could add another plethora of titles to his stacked collection next year as he further asserts his claim to be considered the most all time great. Federer, a true icon and perhaps the most watchable player to grace the court, proved in his retirement that the "GOAT" debate isn't measured simply by the weight of silverware.

Federer was a true artist on the court and his 15 years of dominance have closed the debate for some tennis fans, who find it hard to believe that we will ever see a more gifted player again. That Federer accumulated fewer Grand Slams than Djokovic and Nadal is not conclusive proof that he was not the best player.

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And while we continue to admire two of the greatest tennis players of all time heading into 2023, there is one record that could help tip the GOAT debate in Djokovic's favor. Federer has 103 career titles in his retirement, while Nadal has 92 titles and Djokovic currently has 91 trophies.

Revitalized Djokovic has won five events in 2022 and will close that gap with Federer if he continues to dominate, something he has threatened to do since missing the US Open in September.

And what better place to start than Melbourne Park, the home of its most successful Grand Slam of all. Djokovic is aiming for his tenth crown at the Australian Open and will focus on maintaining his worrying form ahead of another season which he hopes will be loaded with even more success.