After her daily training in Belgrade and after celebrating having reached 377 weeks as world number one, a record equaled by Steffi Graf, Novak Djokovic gave a press conference, open to Serbian and non-Serb media.
Through the questions of the journalists, the Serb touched on various topics, including the rivalry: the rookie, that is, Carlos Alcaraz, from whom he snatched the first place in the ATP ranking; even the old man who is always there, that is, Rafael Nadal, the man with whom he shares the men’s record for Grand Slams won.
“Alcaraz is playing at a high level, especially after months out due to injury. He seems to have the maturity of a seasoned player, even if he doesn’t, given the way he’s recovered. He deserves all the successes from him and he is bringing new energy and personality.
My biggest rival, however, is still Nadal. The last year and a half of Alcaraz does not eliminate that: Nadal is my biggest rival and the main one continues to be Nadal in my career,» said the world number one. The next challenge between Djokovic and Nadal would be number 60.
On where and when it will take place, Djokovic is clear: «The Roland Garros final.» Not just Rafael Nadal. If the Spaniard is his main rival, the second would have to be with Roger Federer. Also at the press conference, the Belgrade tennis player was asked about the Big 3, of which only two are active so far, and about the influence of the other two players on him.
«Federer and Nadal shaped me as a player. While we are still active, we don’t allow ourselves to reflect, we don’t have time for that. But after all, I hope we can talk about it in private, talk about memories. For now, we are the grandparents those of us who prevent these young players from winning Grand Slams”, said the Belgrade tennis player at a press conference, according to Tennis Majors.
Djokovic enjoys playing tennis
Novak Djokovic admitted that his appetite for chasing milestones has not diminished with age. “From a professional point of view, I have the desire to make more historical results. Some say that he is arrogant when I speak openly about it, but I don’t think so, I think it’s normal,” he stated while speaking to reporters.
«There is no such number, ha ha. I don’t have a number until what age will I play professional tennis. Automatically, after the age of 30, people in sports ask these questions, especially in tennis. Hunger is still there, what I would characterize more as a passion for the sport and a great desire to compete.
I like to play tennis with my son, recreationally, I don’t have an aversion to sport because it occupies a large part of my life”, he explained.
