Federer's Slams record not impossible, says Djokovic

Novak Djokovic on Wednesday said breaking Roger Federer's record of 17 Grand Slam titles was one of his main motivations as he looks to prolong his stay at the top of men's tennis.

The world No 1 said Federer's magic total wasn't out of the question after a year in which the Serb contested all four Grand Slam finals and won three of them, taking his total to 10.

"Nothing is impossible. I have that kind of mindset. I know that it's still a long way to break his record," Djokovic, 28, said at the Shanghai Rolex Masters, after cruising past Martin Klizan 6-2, 6-1.

"But people even mentioning and talking about it, obviously it flatters me. I'm honored to have such compliments.

"But, you know, it's one of the things that motivates me to keep going, of course. I love this sport. I feel like there are many more years in front of me."

Pete Sampras' record of 14 majors stood for seven years before Federer surpassed it in 2009, and the 34-year-old came close to extending it beyond 17 when he contested this year's Wimbledon and US Open finals.

"Hopefully, if I'm able to sustain this level of dedication and level of performance, the way I play tennis, I think I have a good chance to compete for the trophy at any Grand Slam in the future," Djokovic said.

"But, again, I'm at the peak of my abilities now. Just depends how far and how long I can go. I can't predict anything. I've achieved a lot so far in my career, but I feel like there is a lot more to come."

Djokovic extended his winning streak to 13 straight matches with a swift win over Klizan on Wednesday.

Djokovic is coming off his sixth China Open title last week, where he only lost 18 games in the entire tournament - the most dominant title run of his career.

He picked up right where he left off, fending off the only break point he faced against Klizan to win in 63 minutes.

Djokovic is aiming for his ninth title of the year and his third at the Shanghai Masters.

"Considering the fact that I've won so many matches this year and tournaments, probably the best season of my life definitely, anywhere I go I'm confident," he said.

"Especially towards the end of the season, knowing that back in the previous years I've played consistently well and was very successful in the last couple months of the season."

Flirts with ban

Meanwhile, Nick Kyrgios said he had no concerns about being suspended after he picked up his second code violation in two matches during his Masters loss to Kei Nishikori on Wednesday.

The outspoken Australian snapped "That's just crap!" as he was warned for smashing away a loose ball which nearly hit a line judge - an indiscretion that could trigger a four-week ban.

Kyrgios, who threw away a one-set lead to lose 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, was also fined $1,500 for an audible obscenity in the first round.

If he totals more than $5,000 in fines before Feb 24, Kyrgios will have to serve the suspended ban he was slapped with in August for making a sexual comment about Stan Wawrinka's girlfriend.

But the 20-year-old - who also received a code violation at last week's Japan Open - was unperturbed about a potential ban, even with the Australian Open Grand Slam looming at the start of next season.

"Not concerned at all. If it happens, it happens," shrugged the world No 32.

"I probably shouldn't have done it, but I didn't think it was too bad. I don't know. Can't really change it now."

Wednesday's eruption was also not the first row between Kyrgios and umpire Mohamed Lahyani, after the Australian had to deny calling the official "dirty scum" during a match at this year's Wimbledon.

Australian legend Rod Laver and Kyrgios's mother were in the Shanghai crowd when, at the end of the second set, Kyrgios smacked a loose ball with a huge backhand, forcing the line judge to take evasive action.

"This for me is too dangerous, you hit it so hard," Lah-yani said, after issuing the code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct.

"I didn't even hit anyone but it's unsportsmanlike?" Kyrgios said.

"The ref wasn't even close to it ... well let's just look at the tape because that's just crap."

Kyrgios repeatedly sparred with Lahyani and at one point loudly shouted: "Water bro, water!" at a ball boy as Nishikori's impressive win was overshadowed by his foe's histrionics.

"I didn't think I behaved bad at all out there today," Kyrgios said after the match.

"I thought I was good mentally. I showed some emotion, but at the same time I played great."