Djokovic: ‘Do not know what number of extra slams I am going to have’

Novak Djokovic says he’s treating each Grand Slam event prefer it’s his final as he prepares to make a long-awaited return to the US Open subsequent week.

The Serbian star, winner of a report 23 Grand Slam singles titles, is bidding so as to add a twenty fourth to his assortment in New York over the subsequent fortnight, which might put him two away from Rafael Nadal’s 22 Slam titles.

At 36, Djokovic mentioned Friday he’s more and more conscious that alternatives to enhance his report could grow to be more durable to return by even when he’s not considering retirement.

“I don’t know what number of extra slams I’ll have,” Djokovic advised a press convention.

“I’ll nonetheless hold going. I don’t have an finish in my thoughts in the mean time.

“I additionally perceive that issues are completely different if you’re 36, so I’ve to be extra appreciative, a bit extra, I suppose, current, treating each Grand Slam as perhaps your final one when it comes to dedication and efficiency.

“I see this each Grand Slam that I play proper now as actually a golden alternative to make extra historical past.”

Djokovic has not performed on the US Open since 2021, when his bid to finish a uncommon calendar yr Grand Slam of all 4 tennis majors was foiled by Daniil Medvedev in an agonizing defeat within the last.

Djokovic was subsequently barred from entry to america over his refusal to get vaccinated — placing him at odds with US authorities Covid-19 journey guidelines — which means he missed final yr’s US Open.

‘Electrical ambiance’ 

Djokovic, who opens his marketing campaign on the Arthur Ashe foremost enviornment in opposition to France’s Alexandre Muller on Monday, says he’s relishing his return to what he described as probably the most “electrical” ambiance in tennis.

“The primary feeling that I’ve is pleasure to return again as a result of it’s the greatest enviornment we now have in our sport, the most important stadium, and undoubtedly probably the most enjoyable, electrical, thrilling ambiance on the market in tennis, taking part in evening session in Arthur Ashe, little doubt,” Djokovic mentioned.

“Come again in entrance of in all probability the loudest followers in sport, tennis followers in sport.”

With Djokovic absent in 2022, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz emerged to say the US Open crown.

Since then, Djokovic and Alcaraz have developed a fierce rivalry, with the Spaniard profitable a five-set basic within the Wimbledon last final month, earlier than Djokovic bounced again with a pulsating win within the Cincinnati Open last final weekend.

Djokovic mentioned final week’s defeat of Alcaraz in Cincinnati in a close to four-hour epic felt like profitable a Grand Slam.

“It was among the best, most enjoyable, and most tough finals I used to be ever a part of in best-of-three, little doubt, all through my profession,” Djokovic mentioned.

“The quantity of exchanges and rallies. It was bodily so demanding and grueling that I felt very exhausted for the subsequent few days.

“These are sort of the moments in matches that I nonetheless push myself every day for day in and time out, observe, sacrifice, dedication. At 36, nonetheless have the drive. I really like competitors.”

Whereas most neutrals will probably be craving a Djokovic-Alcaraz rematch within the US Open last on September 10, Djokovic insists he’s trying no additional than Monday’s opener.

“I feel it’s additionally in a manner disrespectful to your subsequent opponent if you happen to’re already eager about your finals matchup,” Djokovic mentioned.

“Although I’ve had great success … that sort of mindset by no means actually resonated with me.

“However Carlos is No. 1 on this planet. He’s undoubtedly among the best gamers on this planet the final couple years.

“Positive, there’s at all times an eye fixed that follows him from my staff, from some other staff. I do know that the identical goes for me in all probability. We comply with one another.”

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