Despite winning a lot in 2020, Novak Djokovic ended up in the eye of the storm this year due to extra-tennis behavior. In addition to having remedied a resounding disqualification at the US Open for a shot against a linesman, the world number 1 was harshly criticized by the Adria Tour organization and the decision to found the new PTPA by resigning as prime minister of the players.
Many have wondered if all these thoughts did not distract him from his goals on the field. The 17-time Grand Slam champion has already secured the mathematical certainty of finishing the season at the top of the ATP rankings for the sixth time in his career, equaling the record of his idol Pete Sampras.
Thanks to the new ranking system, the Serbian phenom has an excellent chance of breaking even Roger Federer’s record for weeks at No. 1.
Djokovic on balancing the various interests in his life
“If I should focus on tennis and nothing else, I think that is already impossible for me,” Novak Djokovic said in a recent interview.
“I am no longer at this stage in my life. I have things happening in my life and I cannot neglect that and I just think about winning a tennis trophy and breaking records without thinking about my children, my family and other things.
I’m fine balancing that. Because I have played tennis since I was four years old, so more or less every day for almost 30 years of my life, I think I have mastered improving specific areas of my game. It’s easier for me to improve on a tennis court, even though I’m still training to be a better husband and father, I’m still young at that, ”Djokovic said.
Novak Djokovic is a five-time champion at the Nitto ATP Finals, which begin in London on Sunday. “When I draw a line down the season as the year-end No. 1 and win four tournaments and having been undefeated for a while, of course, whatever I do here, it’s unbelievable,” Djokovic said.
“But I’m still looking for more than that. Being very successful in the past is a great incentive, but it can also be a burden, as you don’t always expect less from yourself. I have been very successful in London.
I feel good about myself, but there is still a long way to go to get the trophy. I don’t think age is a problem for me, maybe I have a year or two or three left to fight for more Slams. Sure, I have to be a little more strategic starting next season with creating my schedule, which tournaments I want to prioritize and where I want to get to the top, “said Novak Djokovic.
“But as long as the desire is there, I am healthy and I have the support of my family, I will continue playing. I do not see it as an obligation, it is not an economic issue or anything like that, I still enjoy it and I want to compete at the highest level.
As long as I feel like this, I’ll be here a long time. I don’t want to set an expiration date yet, “added the Serbian.
