Djokovic “the flame is still there”

When questioned by journalists, Djokovic responded about the reigning champion’s streak:

“I didn’t know anything about it. I knew it was probably like that for five or ten years, but I didn’t know it was that long. Yeah, I mean, I hope that changes this year. That’s the goal. You know, the goal is always for me to try to get to the final and fight for the cup. I mean the mentality or approach is not different for me this year. You know, people ask me now that you’ve won it all with the gold medal, what else is there to win? I am still so motivated. I still have a competitive spirit. I still want to make history and have fun on the tour. I always hope to encourage many young people to watch tennis and play tennis.”

The Serbian superstar also explained that the clashes with different generations in the last years of his career continue to motivate him and force him to perfect his game:

“The kind of rivalry I have with Jannik and Carlos, especially, of course, as well as other guys from the previous generation, like Zverev, Medvedev, Tsitsipas, you know, the kind of matchups I always like to be happy with competition and really motivate me, every week when I’m not competing, to push myself to give me the perfect game and to be able to run for hours with them on the biggest stage.”

Djokovic is set to face Moldovan Radu Albot in the final at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday night, and he said the atmosphere of the night at the US Open was one of his favorite of the year:

“You know, the US Open night sessions are very famous, the most famous in our sport. I’m going to play my first game here on Monday night, so I’m looking forward to being under the lights. The sound, the energy of the stadium is different from everything else. I can’t wait to be there.”