"I consider myself best, and I believe that I am the best, otherwise I wouldn't be talking confidently about winning Slams and making history," said Djokovic, a 34-year-old from Serbia who is ranked No 1 and has spent more weeks in that top spot than any other man.

"But whether I'm the greatest of all time or not, I leave that debate to other people." It is a popular topic, certainly. And every member of the so-called Big Three has his supporters. This season might tilt the balance in Djokovic's favor in the minds of those yet to be convinced.

Already the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win the first three major tournaments in a year, Djokovic will take aim at a true calendar Grand Slam at the US Open, which starts Aug 30.

Only two men — Don Budge in the 1930s and Laver twice in the 1960s — have gone 4-for-4. "I'm going to definitely give it a shot," Djokovic told the Centre Court crowd during the trophy presentation.

"I'm in a great form and obviously playing well. ... So let's keep it going." He earned a third consecutive championship at the All England Club and sixth overall. Those go alongside nine at the Australian Open, three at the US Open and two at the French Open.

"I have to pay a great tribute to Rafa and Roger. They are legends. Legends of our sport. They are the two most important players that I ever faced in my career," Djokovic said.

"They are, I think, the reason that I am where I am today. They've helped me realize what I need to do in order to improve, to get stronger mentally, physically, tactically."