The defending champion, the 37-year-old could become the first to achieve the double since Roger Federer 16 years ago. The Swiss, who already won in 2005 and 2006, had followed up in 2007 and 2008.I didn’t know it was that longNovak Djokovic said at a press conference. I hope that will change this year.”
And to continue: “I mean, that’s the goal. The goal is always to try to get to the final and fight for the trophy. That mindset is no different this year.” On Monday night, when Djokovic plays his first round match against Moldovan qualifier Radu Albot (ATP 138) at Arthur Ashe Stadium, he will celebrate his eighteenth participation in the US Open, the first dating back to 2005. If we exclude the tournament reserved for juniors in 2003.We were playing inside because it was raininghe recalls. We had to take the bus to get to other facilities. But soon after, I played there as a professional. It was amazing to be in a Grand Slam draw and to play on outdoor courts. I remember the first time I played at Arthur Ashe Stadium. (Editor’s note: the main court and its 22,500 seats). It was overwhelming. So it was quite a journey.”
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The Belgrade native arrives in Queens with only one title this year: the Olympic Games, a month ago, on clay. He earned the laurels a few weeks after tearing the meniscus in his right knee. Which forced him to withdraw before playing his quarterfinal at Roland Garros. Despite this context, he remains ambitious. Winning the Olympic Games was “the greatest achievement and the strongest moment of my career. In Paris, I said to myself: “At 37, could this be the last chance? Maybe. So I had to push harder than ever.” What is left for him to hunt now?I still feel the same drive. I still have the competitive spirit. I want to continue making history. I still hope to inspire many young people to watch and play tennis.”
“I can’t wait to be under the lightshe said again, referring to his future meeting at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The noise and energy of the stadium is just different from the rest. I’m looking forward to it.”
guillement
I can understand the feelings of many players.
Founder and very involved in the PTPA (the players’ association), Djokovic could not avoid questions surrounding the Sinner affair.I can understand the feelings of many players who wonder if they are treated the same way.says the world number two. In terms of Jannik’s case, as I said, these kinds of cases are the very reason why we founded PTPA, which is always about fair protocols, clear protocols for standardized approaches in these kinds of cases. I understand that there is frustration from players because of the lack of consistency. My understanding is that his case was closed the moment it was announced. But, you know, I think it’s been five or six months since the news was announced to him and his team. So, yes, there are a lot of problems in the system. We see a lack of standardised and clear protocols. Hopefully the governing bodies of our sport can learn from this and take a better approach going forward. I think collectively there needs to be a change.”
A boss’ speech that will certainly be heard in the highest spheres…
