Novak Djokovic has admitted that he has been fortunate to remain injury-free for the big part of his career but believes that focusing on the big picture is why he is enjoying unprecedented longevity full of accomplishments.
The 23-time Glam champion discussed how investing in his body and team has helped him maintain his level and allowed him to keep knocking at the majors. Djokovic overcame the #3 seed Russian Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in the final of 2023 US Open earlier this month to seal his foruth title at Flushing Meadows as he completed his 10th final appearance in New York – a men’s record.
The legendary Serbian has now holds an extended record of 24 GS singles titles as he won three of the four majors this year. Djokovic has won four of the last six majors he played and has also completed a fourth season where he sealed at least three slams – a men’s record.
The 36-year old has now racked up 12 Grand Slams in his 30s and maintains a 12-3 record in major finals since turning 30. Only Ken Rosewall and Roger Federer have won a GS at an older age than Serbian who triumphed at Flushing Meadows at 36.
During an interview at the Ryder Cup all-star match, Djokovic addressed his plans about the remainder 2023 campaign while asserting that Davis Cup Finals remains the biggest goals for the season.
“The Grand Slam season is over but we have another few months until the end of the season. I’m going to be playing in Paris-Bercy, one of the tournaments of the Masters 1000 category for us. A really important one obviously on the ATP Tour, the biggest ones,” he told Sky Sports.
“And then the last eight World Tour Finals in Italy and then to finish off with Davis Cup for Serbia, for my country. That’s the big goal for the end of the season. We’re in quarter-finals in the play-off so I’m hoping that we can get our hands on that trophy.”
The world #1 also reviewed his record-extending victory in New York and talked about his ability to remain at the top of sport this late in his career.
“It was obviously very historic, very fulfilling. Just an incredible thrill to be able to win a 24th Grand Slam and it was always about Grand Slams and weeks at No 1 for me,” reflected the Serbian.
“I think I was fortunate to stay most of my career injury-free and I focused a lot on the big picture, the long term and really invested in my body and my team and just wanted to maintain the level for as many years as possible. Because I knew that if that happens, if I can have a long career, I’ll have my shots at the Grand Slam glory.
“Still at 36 going strong I don’t think that the age affects me much, knock on wood I’m hoping that I can still have a few great years at Grand Slams, particularly because those are my highest goals and objectives and priorities.”
Djokovic is currently in recovery process as he skipped the Asian hard-court swing, and pulled out of China Open ATP 500 tournament in Beijing (currently undergoing) and the upcoming Shanghai Masters.