The ogre Novak Djokovic is still hungry. Author of an exceptional season at 36, with three new Grand Slam titles (Australian Open, Roland-Garros, US Open), the Turin Masters and two Masters 1000 won (Cincinnati, Bercy), the Serbian does not count not stop there. Once the Davis Cup finals conclude this weekend, the world number one will take a well-deserved vacation before diving into 2024, a season he will begin with a big goal in mind.
“Probably the record for the most titles. I want to win as many tournaments as possible and get ahead of Connors. There are always records on the horizon that can be broken, “Djoko” told the Spanish newspaper Marca this Thursday. In the same way, I want to have my own archives and my own history, that’s the most important thing. To win big titles, I have to maintain the level of intensity, dedication and motivation.”
With 98 career titles, the Serb remains 11 lengths behind Connors (109), hence his need and motivation to remain at the high level for several more seasons. It will start next year with the Australian Open where he could find his best enemy, Rafael Nadal, who plans to return to competition next January.
“It’s true that we can’t be friends because among friends we talk about everything, the good, the bad, our secrets… With your rivals, I don’t think you’ll feel very at home. “I’m happy to reveal all this,” said the holder of Grand Slam victories (24) about his relationships with Nadal and Roger Federer. Over the last 15 years, I’ve seen Nadal and Federer more than my parents. This means they have been a very important part of my life and career. I have incredible respect for them and the rivalry we’ve had for so long. It’s been a very long journey together and when we hang up the racket we’ll see it in a more relaxed way.”
Still above the (young) melee of the world Top 10, Djokovic would see himself facing his Spanish rival for the 60th time, against whom he leads 30 to 29 in the confrontations.
“I think a lot of people would like it to be at Roland Garros. Why not? Although if you gave me the choice, I’d say anywhere else. Roland Garros wouldn’t be bad, but Nadal is the player who has won there the most times in the history of the tournament, he explained. I think any place would be incredible for us and for the tennis world, he enthuses. It would be like a sort of last dance. I don’t know how many more times we will have the chance to face each other or if we will. I hope so because that’s what everyone wants and me too.”
Nadal or not Nadal, the one who has just won his 7th Masters (new record) will set out to conquer Everest: the “Golden Slam”, which consists of winning the four Grand Slams and the Olympic Games in the same year.
“Five years ago, or even a year or two ago, I don’t think people thought it was possible. I know myself and I know that if I feel good physically and mentally, I am capable of doing it, says the main person concerned. I don’t want this to seem disrespectful to my rivals. I know there are thousands of players fighting for the same goal, but I know who I am and I believe in myself.
Djokovic believes in himself more than ever before a trying season, the year he turns 37, which will take him to Paris. “The Games are a very special competition. I love the Olympic Village, I love the opening ceremony, the feeling of representing my country in the most important event in the world of sport. It is not an easy tournament for tennis players because we have a very tight schedule. From Roland-Garros, we will move on to grass (at Wimbledon) and return to clay. Then the hard court comes in a short time, but I’m up for the challenge. I hope to be healthy to compete in Paris at my highest level and try to win Olympic gold.” Bronze medalist in Beijing in 2008, he will aim for the Grail in the French capital. To enter a little further into the legend of tennis.
SEE ALSO: Blues: behind the scenes of the draw against Greece (2-2)