Djokovic nears $100m mark

8:50 PM ET

Novak Djokovic is one title – or five days – away from becoming the first tennis star to smash the $US100 million prize money barrier.

Djokovic’s domination in 2016 has helped the Serb surge ahead of Roger Federer on the list of the sport’s highest on-court earners and to within $US727,657 of the magical mark.

If he successfully defends his Rome crown this week to collect a fifth trophy in the Italian capital – and sixth title this season – the world No.1 will crack $100 million, a feat only Federer has come close to managing.

The Swiss superstar has earned $US97,958,429 in prize money during his 17-year, 17-slam career, compared to Djokovic’s $US99,272,343.

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If Djokovic is to achieve the financial milestone this week, the 28-year-old may have to topple his big-three rivals – Rafael Nadal, Federer and Andy Murray – in successive matches in the quarter-finals, semis and final to do so.

After enjoying a first-round bye, the top seed opens his campaign against French qualifier Stephane Robert.

To beat Djokovic to …

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