Novak Djokovic says he «aspires to be number 1 in the world» but noted that «being number 1 is no longer my absolute priority.» This week, Djokovic kicked off his 377th week as world number 1; with that, Djokovic tied the great Steffi Graf for the most weeks in the top spot.
Djokovic, who will turn 36 in May, acknowledged that being healthy and fit for the world’s biggest tournaments is his top priority at this stage of his career. “I don’t have first place as an absolute priority.
I aspire to be number 1, but for several years I see it as a consequence of the good results in the biggest possible tournaments, the Grand Slams. The priority is to stay healthy and in the best shape possible, according to each of my segments on and off the court.
I know that when I am aligned and balanced I can win any tournament on any surface. That is my highest priority,» Djokovic said.
Djokovic on competing in the United States
Last year, Djokovic missed the US Open, as well as three Masters events in the US.
When asked about the possibility of missing the US Open again, Djokovic said that he would definitely like to play there, but noted that he won’t stress about it, like he didn’t last year. «Last year I missed Indian Wells, Miami and all the tournaments around the US Open and the US Open.
It has happened before and I hope it doesn’t happen again. My position remains the same and I can’t do anything about it, but I hope the result will be positive. My tennis in Australia showed that it doesn’t affect my game. The US Open is still a long way off, six months away.
I hope to be there. I can’t give you more answers about it. It is one of the most important tournaments in our sport, I received the best support there during the 2021 final, which I unfortunately lost to Medvedev, I connected with the people and I would like to return,» Djokovic explained.
