Djokovic, insatiable: “I want to continue making history in tennis”

Novak Djokovic wanted to review how he dealt with this complicated 2022 for him before playing the Masters 1.000 in Paris, the last major tournament of the ATP circuit before the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin (13-20 November). Djokovic gave an interview to Marion Bartoli on RMC Sport in which he retraced these moments and where he also referred to his rivalry with Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal.

In this interview, Djokovic confessed that the Wimbledon victory was a turning point after a difficult start to the season marked by what happened before the Australian Open, where he was finally unable to compete. “For several reasons, the victory at Wimbledon came at a very important moment in my career. It was my dream tournament. When I was young, I dreamed of winning that tournament, it’s the biggest tournament in our sport. It is the only tournament that has managed to maintain that tradition and culture of tennis in the modern era that gives more privileges to sponsors. At Center Court you only watch the tennis players and the balls, it’s very special. After Wimbledon I found my sanity. This year has put a strain on me mentally, I have faced many difficulties off the court and this has affected my tennis. After Wimbledon I felt much better on the pitch and found the level I was looking for. A level that has been very high in the last two tournaments I have played, in Tel-Aviv and Astana ”.

The Belgrade tennis player also confessed that, in order to be successful in tennis, important sacrifices must be made and assures that he wants to continue to expand his tennis legend. “You have to make huge sacrifices and be fully dedicated to the sport to maintain that level. The life of a tennis player is not easy because you spend all your time on the plane and in a hotel but not at home. And with children it’s even more difficult. Like everyone else, there are days when I don’t feel motivated with a racket in my hands and give it my all. But every day I look for inspiration to improve my game and that’s what allows me to keep playing in the professional circuit after 20 years. Furthermore, I have the ambition to win the most important titles and to make history in our sport. I am very happy and honored to be able to make history in our sport right now, this is the greatest motivation ”.

Djokovic was also asked about the Nitto ATP Finals, where he aims to match Federer’s seven titles, although right now he is asking to focus only on Paris. “Matching Roger Federer’s record in the ATP Finals is one of my goals, but there are still two weeks left. At the moment I’m here in Bercy, which is one of the big tournaments on the ATP circuit. I have a lot of respect for this tournament and a lot of positive feelings when I come here to Bercy, it gives me a lot of confidence. I can’t think of Turin right now, I still have time. I have a habit of focusing on the present moment, that’s what’s important to me. I love the conditions in Paris and the city. Here in Paris Roland Garros and Bercy are celebrated, the city has a great tennis culture. The public observes and appreciates tennis in Paris and also throughout France. I feel that energy that gives me more motivation on the track. The tournament is also scheduled for the last weeks of the season and it seems positive to finish here. It’s one of my favorite tournaments “

The Serbian also confessed that one of the sources of inspiration to continue playing his best tennis is his son Stefan, who has also shown a great passion for the sport. “We all make choices every day and if you want to dedicate your life to one thing in particular, you have to prioritize and make the necessary sacrifices. This sport is not a job, it is a passion, I love tennis. My son Stefan, who is eight, plays tennis every day. He is very interested in tennis and asks me to play with him every day. It’s a motivation for me that I didn’t have before. Every day I look for something new that gives me the motivation that allows me to continue ”.

Djokovic also wanted to highlight two key moments in his career against two of his great rivals, Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal. “The final that marked me the most physically was the one against Nadal at the Australian Open 2012 and mentally the one I played with Federer at Wimbledon in 2019. Two finals that are very special to me for several reasons. In that final against Roger at Wimbledon I saved two match points. It was 40-15, I should have anticipated his serve to cover the corner, and he served the T. I thought it was over but he touched the net lightly. Sometimes you need a little luck. “

‘Nole’ also recounted how he experienced Federer’s farewell and hopes that, when the time comes for his retirement, he can do it in a similar way. “It was a special and unique moment. Everything that has happened on and off the track has been incredible. I have a lot of respect for Federer. Of course, on the pitch he was a rival, an opponent and I was a professional and I had to win the games against him. But that afternoon the rivalry took a back seat. It is something you experience once in a lifetime. Thank you Roger, thank you for everything you have done for our sport. With Nadal our rivalry is still alive and for him or for me it is not yet time to retire. I hope someday to retire like Roger, it would be a precious moment. But I still don’t think about retirement. During the Laver Cup I thought I would like to have my biggest rival on the pitch when I retire and he gave me some ideas. I hope I know that beautiful emotion well. When will that time come? I don’t know, I hope as late as possible. I feel good on the pitch, I won a Grand Slam this year and now is not the time to think about retiring. “

Finally, the Serbian was questioned about the debate on the best in history and, while not getting wet, he assured himself to continue with the intention of expanding his legend in tennis. “There are a lot of factors to take into account when discussing the best of the story, so I leave it to others. But as I said I am very motivated by the idea of ​​making history in this sport ”.