Novak Djokovic arrives at Wimbledon as one of the main candidates to win the title despite not having played any official match on the surface. Having only played one exhibition match against Felix Auger-Aliassime, this is not something the Serb is too worried about. Djokovic speaks at a press conference about how he arrives at the London Grand Slam, his plans in relation to the US Open and the vaccine and about everything that Rafa Nadal has achieved so far this year.
grass adaptation
“So far everything is going well. I haven’t played any tournaments before Wimbledon, but I’ve had success here in the past without having any official matches or tournaments. Over the years, I’ve had success quickly adapting to the surface, so there’s no reason to think I can’t do it again.
I am very happy and happy to return to the tournament that was always my childhood dream, the one that I always wanted to win. Of course, the memories of the last three editions of Wimbledon are wonderful for me. I hope I can continue that streak.”
Wimbledon no points
“Probably, it is something that affects other players more than me. I don’t want to say that the points are not important, of course they are, but not as they were until recently. Now I don’t chase the ranking as much as I did before I broke the record for most weeks at number 1.
After that, it’s not a priority for me. I understand that more than 90% of players who play, and also those who do not play, will be more affected by the issue of points. Of course, this year I didn’t have the opportunity to defend 4,000 points, 2,000 in Australia and 2,000 here. This affects my ranking, but my priorities are different.”
About the US Open
“As of today, I am not allowed to enter the United States, I am aware of that, so I have an extra motivation to do well here. I’ll have to wait and see what happens. I would love to go to the United States, but today it is not possible. I can’t do much, it’s something that depends on the United States government whether or not they allow unvaccinated people into the country.”
admiration for Nadal
“He had surgery in the second half of last year, he came back from that surgery and won the Grand Slam first. Again, at Roland Garros, of course, the tournament where he has historically won the most titles. He only has to take off his hat for what he has achieved, for what he continues to do on a tennis court. A great fighting spirit. Incredible champion. Just for all that he’s trying to do to create an even more successful legacy is something to admire and respect, even though I’m one of his biggest rivals and we’ve had amazing games throughout our career. I have nothing but respect for him and what he has achieved.”
Total ban on Russian tennis players
“I understand the frustration of the Ukrainian people towards Russia and what is happening. As a child of war, I know what it feels like to be in your place. On the other hand, I do not agree with banning Russian tennis players from competing indefinitely. I don’t see how they’ve contributed to anything that’s going on.
It is a very sensitive subject. Anything you say as a person who comes from one country or another is going to be judged one way or another. I understand both sides, but banning them from playing is not fair.”
The Serbian closed the press conference making it clear that he does not intend to get vaccinated to compete in the United States.
–
