Djokovic, who bagged his third consecutive crown in Miami, surpassed Roger Federer on the all-time ATP money list after pocketing $1.028 million to push his career earnings to $98,199,548 against the Swiss legend’s $97,855,881.
The winner of the 2016 Australian Open beat Japan’s Kei Nishikori (6-3, 6-4) for his sixth career victory in Miami, tying the record set by American Andre Agassi. His victory on Sunday was also his 714th career win.
“It was my best performance of the tournament,” Djokovic said in an AFP report. “It came at the right time against a great player.”
Aside from Djokovic and Federer, other ATP career prize money leaders include Rafael Nadal, $76,378,282; Andy Murray, $43,573,446; Pete Sampras, $43,280,489; Andre Agassi, $31,152,975; David Ferrer, $28,728,952; Boris Becker, $25,080,956; Tomas Berdych, $24,280,489; and Yevgeny Kafelnikov $23,883,797.
The win also shoved the 28-year-old Serbian to the top of the list of players with the most ATP Masters titles at 28, dethroning rival Rafael Nadal of Spain.
“The fact I managed to win the most Masters ever is a remarkable achievement I’m very proud of,” Djokovic said.
The winner of 11 Grand Slam singles titles, meanwhile, is also thinking about surpassing Federer’s 17 Slam titles.
But while beating the Grand Slam record of Federer, 34, is not yet a major motivation, Djokovic admitted that “it’s in the back of my mind somewhere.”
“But I don’t have it as a main motivation. Because then things can go a little bit out of control, maybe can present some kind of distraction that I don’t need,” he said.
Aside from gunning for the French Open crown in June for his fourth Grand Slam title in a row, Djokovic is also aiming for the gold at this year’s Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
“That’s one of the dreams I have and one of the biggest inspirations right now in my career is to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games,” he said.
“To be alongside the top athletes from all the different sports around the world and to dine with them, talk with them, see them perform live, is a unique experience I think every athlete looks forward to every four years.”
